Jennifer plays the fiddle and sings harmony and lead vocals. She has been playing fiddle since age seven and grew up harmonizing with her sister, Angela. Since she loves coming up with new inspirational music for our group, Jennifer has just written three new songs that will be out on our new CD. She loves bluegrass music and is thrilled to be able to present the gospel in this way. Her prayer is that churches and families are touched by the music God put in her heart. She loves spending time with her nieces Ashley, Autumn and Addelyn and is teaching them fiddle. Some of her favorite things are calico kittens, aggravating her bro-in-law Luke, thunderstorms and coffee.
Angela plays the mandolin and fiddle, and sings lead and harmony vocals. She loves harmonizing with her sister, Jennifer, as they grew up singing together constantly. She participated in contest fiddling years back, and still enjoys twin fiddles today. She is married to Luke and we like to say she is Luke’s better half! Right now she is keeping busy with her daughters, Ashley Noel, Autumn Renee' and Addelyn Kate . She thanks the Lord so much for her little family and already has Ashley and Autumn playing the fiddle.Some of Angela’s favorite things are snow-skiing, house decorating, baking, flower-gardening and keeping Luke in line.
Luke plays guitar and sings both lead and vocal harmonies. He is our comic relief and keeps us on our toes. His sincere love for the Lord is evident in his walk. His voice blends with the girls’ like a brother, completing the sound. Currently he is working on more solos and has even written a few songs that we hope to sing. A few years ago we discovered our families (Millers and Downings) lived in the same neighborhood, and just a week after that, he met Angela at the mailbox. It was love at first sight. He won Angela’s heart and the rest is history. Luke loves his growing family and is looking forward to playing music with his little girls. He also enjoys snow and anything that has to do with it, like skiing, snowboarding, sledding etc.
Randy plays an outstanding bass (well, at least he thinks so). He also runs the technology company and is the handsome one of the band. (Now you know who really wrote these bio’s!) Randy sings just a little, but never loud enough for anyone to hear. We are trying to work up another acapella that needs a voice bass part, so you may actually get to hear him sing, but right now there's only one vote.... his. He is forever thankful to have a family who loves to serve the Lord, singing and playing his favorite kind of music... BLUEGRASS! By the way, the sparkle in his eye is for his lovely wife Kathy.
Kathy is our sound technician and continues to be our biggest encourager and prayer warrior. She is the backbone of the group, taking care of all the details while we’re “tuning”. From clothing, to transportation, to babysitting the grand-daughters, to running the sound board, Kathy keeps it all together. She loves the Lord so much! She has chosen to teach her children by the Word of the Lord, and has been a ready instrument in the hands of a mighty and awesome God. Some of Kathy’s favorite things are: Hawaii, shopping, sewing and chocolate.
Mark has been with The Downing Family for several years and...OH what a blessing! He fills in with his excellent guitar playing and amazes us everyday with his outstanding banjo licks. Mark is also a two-time National Mountain Dulcimer Champion. He has performed at many major dulcimer events throughout the country, and is a highly respected instructor. His latest creative energies have been focusing on writing Christian music for worship and edification. Check out his own website at www.tindlemusic.com
Mark also still loves to play volleyball - even though he's gettin' older!
written by Jim and Pete554
Praise
The Downing Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Praise is the music sung around the throne of God.
Praise moves the mountains when I lift my hands and sing.
Praise enfolds the promises of God.
When the terror comes by night
And the arrow flys by day
When pestilance and death
Wanna steal my life away.
With praise I will declare.
He will deliver me from destruction's snare.
Praise is the melody that sets the captives free.
Praise is the music sung around the throne of God.
Praise moves the mountains when I lift my hands and sing.
Praise enfolds the promises of God.
It can move the heart of God and bring his word to pass.
No matter what trouble lies upon the narrow path.
Oh praise is the song that you must sing in the dark.
Praise is the sunlight of heaven in my heart.
Praise is the melody that sets the captives free.
Praise is the music sung around the throne of God.
Praise moves the mountains when I lift my hands and sing.
Praise enfolds the promises of God.
Lord I do believe help my unbelief.
Let Faith be the door and praise be the key.
Praise is the melody that sets the captives free.
Praise is the music sung around the throne of God.
Praise moves the mountains when I lift my hands and sing.
Praise enfolds the promises of God.
Praise enfolds the promises of God.
The Downing Family's song "Praise" is a powerful and uplifting anthem that emphasizes the importance of praising God in all circumstances. The lyrics highlight the ability of praise to break chains and set captives free. The song emphasizes the power of praise, stating that it can move mountains and bring God's promises to pass. When faced with trials, the song encourages believers to sing praises in the dark, for praise is the sunlight of heaven in our hearts.
The song acknowledges that there will be times of trouble and darkness, but in those moments, praise is the key to unlocking God's deliverance. It reminds listeners to hold onto faith and trust in God's promises, knowing that with praise, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
Overall, "Praise" is a message of hope and encouragement, reminding listeners of the importance of praising God in all circumstances, no matter how difficult they may be.
Line by Line Meaning
Praise is the melody that sets the captives free.
The act of giving praise has a powerful, freeing effect on those who are held captive by various struggles in life.
Praise is the music sung around the throne of God.
In the presence of God, praise takes the form of joyful, heavenly music.
Praise moves the mountains when I lift my hands and sing.
Through the act of praising, one can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and hardships.
Praise enfolds the promises of God.
The promises of God are strengthened and made more tangible through the power of praising.
When the terror comes by night
During periods of intense anxiety and fear...
And the arrow flys by day
...and even in the face of danger and harm that may approach during the daytime...
When pestilance and death
...as well as outbreaks of deadly illness and death appear...
Wanna steal my life away.
...attempts to rob one of their life and hope can arise.
But the grave will not take me now
Despite the risks and dangers inherent in life...
With praise I will declare.
...one can boldly declare their faith in the face of adversity through the act of praising.
He will deliver me from destruction's snare.
One's faith and trust in God will deliver them from the grips of harm and ruin.
It can move the heart of God and bring his word to pass.
Praise has the incredible power to move the heart of God and cause his promises to come to fruition.
No matter what trouble lies upon the narrow path.
Regardless of the difficulties that may arise on life's journey...
Oh praise is the song that you must sing in the dark.
...the act of praising is crucial in order to overcome the darkness and fear that may arise.
Praise is the sunlight of heaven in my heart.
Through the act of praising, one can experience the warmth and light of heaven in their own heart.
Lord I do believe help my unbelief.
Even in moments of doubt and uncertainty, one can turn to God and ask for help in maintaining their faith.
Let Faith be the door and praise be the key.
Praise is a key aspect of faith and a way to unlock its full potential.
Praise enfolds the promises of God.
Once again reiterating the idea that praising strengthens and solidifies the promises of God.
Contributed by Annabelle Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.