Perfect gift for families
Posted April 23, 2014
By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
JJ Heller has admitted that she struggled with anxiety issues in the past and parenthood has really shown her how the love she has for her daughters is selfless. Fans requested JJ to record an album of lullabies, and she and her husband Dave Heller also wrote a children’s bedtime story, “The Golden Feather” which was supported with a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Although JJ’s album I Dream of You is a collection of sweet and loving songs from a parent to a child, they are also profound pictures of how God feels about us as His children. Children also love us unconditionally, and God wants us to be a picture of His love back to them. Remember that God loves you and there is nothing that we can do to make Him love us more. This album displays JJ's signature acoustic folk music style that paved the way for her current success, which is well-deserved.
What’s so relatable is how JJ Heller’s “relationship” songs are relevant for everyone. If you know Jesus, then you especially know the ultimate answer to the quest for love can only be found in Him. Our sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus and all of these songs reflect the joy that JJ Heller has in Christ, including her relationship focused songs “Big World, Baby,” “I Know You Will,” “The Sun Will Rise,” “Keep You Safe,” “Daydream,” “Take It With Me,” “Sailing the Sugar Sea” and "Boat Song," which includes the great chorus "do you know we belong together, do you know my heart is yours?"
“I Dream of You” includes JJ’s signature “gourmet” stamp with the lyrical phrasing, “My love may you dream of beautiful things, ‘til the dawn of the day, bright and new, wherever you go, I want you to know, that when I dream, I dream of you.” It also includes harmonica interludes, which I love. “Darling you are my dream come true” is exactly the sentiment I want to pass on to my three daughters who I love beyond what words can express. This song is a wonderful way to let your children know how you feel about them.
“When I’m With You” really makes me smile, especially during the bridge where JJ tenderly sings “Beautiful, baby, you're sweeter than strawberry pie, just like the morning, your smile brings the sun that shines.” Although this is a sweet and loving song from a mother or father to a child, it is also a profound picture of how God feels about us as His children. The lyrics in the song that wreck me are “When I hear you, and you're cryin', it resonates, dear, in a place I didn't know was there.” God hears us crying and He wants us to know that He’s always listening and He’s with us always.
“I Get to Be the One” has a catchy melody and reflects how I feel as a father of three little girls. I love when JJ sincerely sings the chorus: “I get to be the one to hold your hand, I get to be the one, through birthdays and broken bones, I’ll be there to watch you grow, I get to be the one.” “I Get to Be the One” was written to JJ’s second baby daughter Nora just like “When I’m With You” was written to her first baby daughter, Lucy. Interestingly, both girls’ names are references to light. Lucy means “bringer of light.” Nora means “light.”
Closing Thoughts:
As a Christian father, I can really relate to JJ’s songs about parenthood. Being a parent is truly a blessing from God. It’s not a right to be a parent, it’s a privilege. It also requires a selfless attitude and we need to put our children’s welfare ahead of our own desires and interests. JJ and Dave Heller are two of my favorite people in all of Christian music because they write songs that are so emotional, vulnerable and authentic. These songs come right from their hearts and express how many of us feel with their gift of songwriting that in turn blesses us as listeners. Thank you, JJ and Dave, for continuing to provide gourmet songs that uplift, challenge and move me. I am also grateful to God for the gift of parenthood. God bless you JJ, Dave, Lucy and Nora.
I Dream of You is a soothing and emotionally moving listening experience. All twelve songs are catchy, and focused on higher truths that we all need to hear and pass on to loved ones. If you like JJ’s songs “Boat Song,” “When I’m With You,” “What Love Really Means” and “Your Hands,” then you absolutely must have this album. JJ is an anointed songwriter and singer, and she has a profound way of piercing my soul with her poignant words, tender singing, and inspirational truths. I get welled up singing along with several of these emotion laden songs, especially “I Dream of You,” “When I’m With You,” “I Know You Will,” “Keep You Safe,” “I Get to Be the One,” and “Boat Song.” If you are looking for the perfect gift for families, look no further.
Song to download first:
“I Dream of You” View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinDavis_NRT | View KevinDavis_NRT's Profile
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