Below, you will find information, personal descriptions and stories behind the songs on the album, “Springs of Joy…Along Life’s Journey.”

Credits and Song stories 

 1. a)  HO EVERYONE THAT IS THIRSTY
by Lucy Meyer

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Nathan Rike 

This hymn was written in 1884.  I was first introduced to it in 1973 when I was part of a 7-member Michigan Youth For Christ touring group called “Friends.”  We performed it mostly in churches on Sundays, a capella, and closer to its original form.  Miss Lucy, if you can hear it from Heaven, I hope you are blessed that your musical invitation is still being sung and that you are not too offended by our “modernization” of it.

 1. b)  SPRINGS OF JOY
by Nathan Rike and Dawn Rike

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Nathan Rike

In 2008 this jumped out of Psalm 87:7. I knew instantly it was to be the name of this ministry.  Then in 2014 as Nathan and I began work on this project we wanted a theme song. Isaiah 58 has been an important influence in the formation of my work.  If you read that chapter you will see it present in these lyrics.  Nathan, being a gifted writer/composer got the piece started.  I have fun memories of sitting in his cold, but comfortable basement, fine tuning the lyrics. We had some good laughs trying out words to describe the water.  “Flushing” didn’t make the cut.

 2.  PRAYER FOR LIBERIA
by Nathan Rike and Dawn Rike

Vocals:  Dawn Rike, Gail Williams
Instruments:  Nathan Rike 

In 2012 I made my first visit to Liberia, West Africa.  Doors of opportunity there opened widely.  God doesn’t very often give me pictures in my mind, but while being interviewed on Liberia national radio I saw in my mind’s eye dark, moving clouds over the war-torn nation of Liberia.  Then I could see light breaking through.  It seemed to represent a movement of God’s Spirit coming to bring restoration to that broken country.  Nathan took that and other words I shared about my experience there and wrote this prayer.  We did a rough recording of it and in 2013 he joined me on my second trip to Liberia.  He accompanied me with his guitar and we shared it daily during our ten-day visit. The Liberians love it and I’m told it still gets airplay. Our work there continues to this day.

 3.  IMMERSED IN THE LIGHT
by Dawn Rike and Nathan Rike

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Nathan Rike 

In 1995-96 our family went through an 18-month season of being homeless. We stayed with five different families. It was a bit tough.  One of the weeks we housesat for some dear friends.  One night I was reading Psalm 139 in THE MESSAGE BIBLE when “At night I’m immersed in the light!  It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you…” came off the page and hit me in the face. That was the beginning of this piece.  It sat unfinished for about 18 years.  Nathan helped me complete it.  I am so glad that God’s Presence illuminates even the darkest times to guide us through what can seem impossible and His Light of truth dispels the black lies, to set us free.

 4.  WHERE IS THE BLESSING?
by Dawn Rike and Nathan Rike

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Nathan Rike 

Whether we realize it or not, we all seek blessing from our parents, especially our father.  Many never receive it and unconsciously spend their lives seeking it. In 1994 I had a devastating encounter with my father and my worst fear in relationship with him became reality.  When I picked myself up from the floor I realized I was still alive and more than that, loved.  Loved by husband, children, friends, but mostly God.  The pain was used to bring great freedom and healing to my life.  This song was born as I realized my dad was seeking the same thing I was:  parental blessing.  His parents passed without giving what he sought.  The great news is:  we have both found it in Jesus.  The good news for me is that I have also received it from my earthly father.

 5.  CARES CHORUS 
by Kelly Willard

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Nathan Rike 

I learned this in the early 1980s and it has been a “go to” chorus for me when I become overwhelmed.  It reminds me to obey I Peter 5:7 “…casting all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  Anxiety is the most common mental health problem in our country today.  We all struggle at times with the stress of life.  I hope this little chorus can bring some peace and calming to you.

 6.  GOD, MY MOUNTAIN
by Dawn Rike

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Nathan Rike
Piano:  Dawn Rike

I have always secretly envied people who shared stories of sitting at the piano and in a few minutes a complete song would flow out of their fingers and lips.  In 2003 I was dealing with a serious health problem.  My husband was working in Iowa while I remained in Colorado to sell the house (it never did). I was alone, afraid, helpless, it seemed.  One night I was reading Psalm 144 and felt prompted to go to the piano.  Guess what…yes, in a few minutes this poured out of my heart.  Of course, I didn’t believe it was something good enough for anyone to hear.  It gave me strength when I was failing. It still does.  Now I share it with you. Perhaps it can give you courage where you are.  Oh, and by the way, though I am not a pianist, Nathan said, “Mom, I want you to play keys on this.”  No big feat for many, but for me another accomplishment. You CAN teach old dogs new tricks!

 7.  SWEET COMMUNION
by Karen Lafferty

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Nathan Rike

As I recall, I met this song sometime in the 1980s.  It became one my favorites to do in concert.  I even accompanied myself with guitar if there was no pianist. The lyrics have deep meaning for me that deepens as the years pass.  I have desired to record it for decades and at last it has happened.  I hope it invites you to seek deeper intimacy with Father.

 8.  WALKING THE PATH
by Dawn Rike and Nathan Rike

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Nathan Rike

This is a journal entry written on my 50th spiritual birthday.  When we were mapping out this project and I was sharing my vision for it, I read the piece to Nathan.  He suggested we record it.  Good idea, Son. 

The following are selections from previous recordings I made:  A demo for concert scheduling, 1981, Gene Ort, Producer; NEAR TO HIS HEART, 1988 Steve Wamberg, Producer; and TRUSTING HIS HEART, 1991, Steve Wamberg, Producer. Here they are in their original form, taken from cassette tape (what are those?).  Nathan remembers Mom singing them in concert and he helped choose some of his favorites to be included in this album.

 9.  HE WILL LISTEN TO YOU
by Mark Heard

Vocals:  Dawn Rike, Annie Wamberg
Instruments:  Steve Wamberg

Sung on NEAR TO HIS HEART

Sometimes the last one we think to talk to about our tough times and joyous experiences is the Lord.  He is the BEST listener EVER! He is truly interested in every little detail of our lives.  Give it a try.

10.  OH, I WANT TO KNOW YOU MORE
by Steve Fry

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Steve Wamberg

Sung on NEAR TO THIS HEART

The first time I heard this my heart connected.  There is a crucial longing in all of us to know and be known.  We try many ways to fulfill this.  HE is the only One who can fully satisfy this hungering.  Today, this is still my heart’s cry.

11.  I DEDICATE ALL MY LOVE TO YOU
by Teri Desario Purse and Bill Purse

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  A pre-recorded accompaniment
Produced by Gene Ort

My first demo recording.  This quality of it reveals its age.  However, the meaning remains the same thirty-seven years later.

12.  HYMN MEDLEY
Composers:  John S. Norris, G.A. Young, Fanny Crosby, Robert Lowery

Arranger:  Dan Leonhardt
Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Steve Wamberg, Dan Leonhardt, guitars

Sung on TRUSTING HIS HEART

I realized my love of singing in 4th grade.  Church was a great place to sing.  I knew every verse of every hymn.  In 1990 I asked my dear guitarist friend whom I had toured with in “Friends” (see above #1) to arrange these hymns for me to record.  I was 7 months pregnant and had a sinus infection while in the studio.  The sad news is that I was still in the throes of perfectionism and was very critical of my performance on the project.  Consequently, I put the thing away and forgot about it.  When I pulled it out earlier this year, I wept with regret and then joy for a second opportunity to share it. As I listened to the newly finished project I heard the lyrics “Gushing from the rock before me, lo, a spring of joy I see.”  A foreshadowing of what was ahead in my life?  Tears again.

13.  I LOVE TO SAY THE NAME OF JESUS
by Jerry Estes

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Steve Wamberg

Sung on TRUSTING HIS HEART

After college I toured with a ministry out of Niles, Michigan called Good News Circle.  Jerry was/is a gifted song-writer also with GNC.  He graciously granted me permission to use this.  The Name of Jesus is powerful and evokes response from one end of the spectrum to the other.  To me, it is precious and becomes more so as the years pass.

14.  YOU ARE WORTHY
by Carol Lehikoinen

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Steve Wamberg

Sung on NEAR TO HIS HEART

Carol, another gifted song-writer/singer joined GNC at age 16 and became one of my roommates.  I was her “big sister.”  Years later, “LuLu” gave me permission to use this song.  My version has a “Chariots of Fire” feel to it.  Remember that film?  What can I say about this piece?  YOU ARE WORTHY, LORD!

15.  GRACE AND PEACE
by Karla Worley

Vocals:  Dawn Rike
Instruments:  Steve Wamberg

Sung on TRUSTING HIS HEART

This is a benediction and my prayer for you.  Thank you for briefly joining me on my journey.  May you also find Springs of Joy…Along Life’s Journey.

One more credit goes to my other “Nathan” son, Nathan Cremisino of Castle Rock, CO who did the beautiful artwork on the sleeve and disc. You are a gift! Find him at:  www.NATHANCREMISINO.com