Comments on: Saying Bye to Jess

By: Lori Matties

Lori Matties — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:01:44 +0000

You’ve named, it, Steve, that big empty place. Thanks for words expressing what I’m feeling pretty strongly myself these days. And don’t worry about what to give. You’ve given it all along. Love, self, stability of character, great and small memories, many other things not tangible but huge in his (their) heart nevertheless. And you’ll keep on giving these things, though, yes, differently. This parenting thing is not for sissies, is it?

By: Kim Doell

Kim Doell — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:55:59 +0000

Such a beautiful song. I was wondering if you ever added another verse to your songs after another stage of life has passed and you enter into a new one?
What made me wonder that is, my heart immediately wanted to hear you sing of Jesus longing to return for us “like a mama, like a papa”. No one says your songs can’t grow with you, right?
Thanks for sharing your gift. It has been a huge encouragement in my life.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:22:44 +0000

Steve, this past Monday, I stood at our local high school and watched my beautiful, graceful daughter walk a red carpet in a formal, black strapless prom gown as she and her friends prepared to spend their last moments as high school students eating and laughing and dancing together. As they all got ready to leave, after hugs and kisses and checks to make sure she had everything that she would need, I hung on the sidelines and tried not to fall into a crumpled mass of maternal tears.

She’s not even moving out of my home, but still. There is a rip, a separation, an emptiness. My baby Grace, no longer a baby, but a lovely young woman. I could not be more proud, and young lady Grace is a joy to know and love, but it’s true, baby Grace, little girl Grace is gone. I miss her.

All of her life, I have prayed for these times, for her growth and maturity, and God has answered. As with many of God’s answers, joy mingles with loss. So, in the privacy of my car I cried all the way home and resolve to continue treasuring each day with her.

Thank you for sharing your heart. It spoke to mine.

By: Blogs and Videos | Steve Bell | Singer, Songwriter, Storyteller

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 04:33:49 +0000

[...] I met those who are entirely innocent of complicity in the suffering of others. Read more… Saying Bye to Jess~ Steve [...]

By: Signpost Music » New Album from Carolyn Arends | Release Date: Oct. 20

Signpost Music » New Album from Carolyn Arends | Release Date: Oct. 20 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:59:38 +0000

[...] in August Nanci and I were in Vancouver area, dropping my son Jesse off at the the U of Vic (click HERE for sappy blog from a teary dad). Carolyn was then in full production on the new disk and asked, [...]

By: brandon pringle

brandon pringle — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:51:28 +0000

hi steve,
greetings in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! a great friend let me borrow his car …and created a divine appointment. your introduction cd was in the player and i listened to it. I didnt know before I had heard your music before … the song with the lyrics, “rough as they are ” plays on Shine FM here often. when you spoke about your “fingers being prepared for battle and acts of righteousness ” and “when you sing and play battles will be fought and won that you know nothing about” and “Iits none of your business to know what was accomplished, but its just your responsibility to sing and play.” That rocked my world…we can be so performance wired that it can be so difficult to realize God may often ask us to simply do something that can’t be “measured” the way seem to measure success like earns “x” dollars or earn a degree. God may just ask us to “sing and play” and allow Him to do the “accomplishing” part . Very powerful stuff, very freeing, thank you for sharing your heart and impacting my life. Sincerely,Brandon

By: marie bell

marie bell — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:39:47 +0000

Dear Steve and Nanci–today at 78 years of age I reacted happily when my grandson Andrew came over for lunch. I had not seen him for awhile and after he left I found myself singing “you light up my life” just think of the many memories you will have as your sons and daughters come to visit! God Bless you and Nanci luv Mom .

By: Val B.

Val B. — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:16:50 +0000

“What do I give him to take into his life?” …..
…Hmmm….From the day he was born you and yor wife have been there….to teach…to set an example….He has watched…..He has learned. He is his own person. Let him now step out of “the nest”…. Don’t be afraid for him, but TRUST that you have taught him well….and now watch him SOAR!

By: Emily MacDonald

Emily MacDonald — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:12:59 +0000

I thought of the following poem by Karen Kingsbury when I read your blog. It is a good reminder for us to enjoy every moment with our families.

“Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts,
First smiles and teeth and baby steps, a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away and leave to me your past
And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts…

The last time that I held a bottle to your baby lips
The last time that I lifted you and held you on my hip.
The last night when you woke up crying, needing to be walked,
When last you crawled up with your blanket, wanting to be rocked.

The last time when you ran to me,s till small enough to hold.
The last time that you said you’d marry me when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from your past
Would I have held on longer if I’d known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park, your final midday nap,
The last time when you wore your favorite faded baseball cap.
Your last few hours of kindergarten, those last few days of first grade,
Your last at bat in Little League, last colored picture made.

I never said good-bye to all your yesterdays long passed.
So what about tomorrow-will I recognize your lasts?
The last time that you catch a frog in that old backyard pond.
The last time that you run barefoot across our fresh-cut lawn.

Silly, scattered images will represent your past.
I keep on taking pictures, never quite sure of your lasts…
The last time that I comb your hair or stop a pillow fight.
The last time that I pray with you and tuck you in at night.

The last time when we cuddle with a book, just me and you
The last time you jump in our bed and sleep between us two.
The last piano lesson, last vacation to the lake.
Your last few weeks of middle school, last soccer goal you make.

I look ahead and dream of days that haven’t come to pass.
But as I do, I sometimes miss today’s sweet, precious lasts…
The last time that I help you with a math or spelling test.
The last time when I shout that yes, your room is still a mess.

The last time that you need me for a ride from here to there.
The last time that you spend the night with your old tattered bear.
My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass,
I want to hold on longer-want to recognize your lasts…

The last time that you need my help with details of a dance.
The last time that you ask me for advice about romance.
The last time that you talk to me about your hopes and dreams.
The last time that you wear a jersey for your high school team.

I’ve watched you grow and barely noticed seasons as they pass.
If I could freeze the hands of time,I’d hold on to your lasts.
For come some bright fall morning, you’ll be going far away.
College life will beckon in a brilliant sort of way.

One last hug, one last good-bye, one quick and hurried kiss.
One last time to understand just how much you’ll be missed.
I’ll watch you leave and think how fast our time together passed.
Let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last.”

By: judy A Giesbrecht

judy A Giesbrecht — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:35:44 +0000

Hi, awesome information! Some I did not know about; very interesting and very glad to see that you are coming back to Saskatoon. Thanks for your ministry Steve. I love your music and guitar sounds.