NEXT APPEARANCE - Friday, March 19, 2010, 7:00 PM at Crosspoint Presbyterian Church, 4061 King Springs Rd. SE, Smyrna, GA 30082 www.CrosspointSmyrna.org

    You can order music, books, and schedule concerts by emailing Charles directly from the Order or Contact pages.  I hope you enjoy the experience!  - Charles

  New CD available - Songs for Children    

Chas mostly plays Easy Listening, Christian Rock, Children’s songs, and Instrumentals.  Have a sample listen and visit the tabs above to hear more:

Easy Listening: Wings Of My Dream (Charles Lutz)

Christian Rock: There I Meet You (Charles Lutz)

Instrumental: Highland Call (Charles Lutz)

Children’s: Ride on Little Cowboy (Charles Lutz)

NAVIGATING THIS SITE: You can click on the blue tabs along the top rows (Home, About, etc.) and you can click on the headings at the right under “RECENT POSTS“, “PAGES“, and “CATEGORIES” for more displays.

Sparky rests from his high speed aerobatics.

 Sparky and the real “Charlie” ~ Summer 1993

  Sparky scans the park from a high perch.

   “What’re you lookin’ at?” says Sparky.

He’s Given Us All His Love (Lutz)

     He’s given us all His love, He’s given us all His love, He sends it down from above, keeps givin’ us all His love. Love is patient, love is kind; never boastful, never pride, woah, now the greatest is love.  He’s given us all His love, He’s given us all His love, He sends it down from above, keeps givin’ us all His love.  No greater love can anyone have, than to lay down his life, his life for his friends, woah, “Now I call you my friends.”  He’s given us all His love, He’s given us all His love, He sends it down from above, keeps givin’ us all His love.

Christ Anthology (Lutz)

     Do you wanna hear about a story that’s true?  ‘Cause if you’ve got the time I’ll tell it to you.  It’s all about a man who came to this earth, He entered this world by a virgin birth; He grew to a man in Galilee, a carpenter’s Son with a ministry, He went to the river and got baptized, preached the message and devoted His life to Love, He came to this world and walked among us; Love, follow in the path of the Lord of Glory; Love, listen to the voice upon the hillside; Love, speakin’ the truth of the gospel story, yeah.  He calmed the storm and He calmed the sea, “Fishers of men won’t you follow Me?” The publican and the common man, He called the twelve and He called them friends, healed the sick and He raised the dead, at His command evil spirits fled; He said He was one with the father above, so imitate Him and reflect the glory of Love, He came to this world and walked among us; Love, follow in the path of the Lord of Glory; Love, listen to the voice upon the hillside; Love, speakin’ the truth of the gospel story, yeah.  He set His sights on Jerusalem, although he knew they would crucify Him, the Temple square and the upper room, to Calvary and an empty tomb, He showed us there is life after death, though all believed He drew His last breath, revealed his scars to all his friends, said, “Lo, I am with you ’til the end”, and that’s Love, He came to this world and walked among us; Love, follow in the path of the Lord of Glory; Love, listen to the voice upon the hillside; Love, speakin’ the truth of the gospel story, yeah.

Three Decades (Lutz)

     In just three decades the world was changed, in just three decades the world was rearranged; by a life that knew no sin and a heart that loved within, in just three decades the world was cha-ea-ea-eanged. In just three decades the world was changed, in just three decades the world was rearranged; by their lives that fled from sin and their hearts that burned within, in just three decades the world was cha-ea-ea-eanged. When the prophets spoke their holy words they were obscure men but their voice was heard, when the time was full God sent His Son and for thirty years His will was done, as He trod this soil He wept and He prayed and He stayed the course and He showed the way, Christ bled for sins, insults were hurled, but He prayed, “forgive”, and He changed the world; then Apostles went out in His guiding light and for thirty years taught with power and might, yeah the status quo was turned inside out by Peter and John, Paul and James, no doubt, now me and you, we can do likewise, we can witness to Christ, God can open blind eyes, let’s abide in Him, and we’ll hold Him dear and expose the truth, nothing latent here.

It Was God (Lutz)

     It was God, lookin’ through those eyes, It was God, healing with those hands.  The Creator of the universe, reaching out to stem the curse, and with His gentle touch of love, He healed their broken lives - it was God.  It was God, teaching by the sea, it was God, setting captives free.  The King of all the universe, coming to reverse the curse, and with His holy words of truth, He opened hearts and minds - it was God.  Oh, can’t you see it was God?  It takes spiritual eyes to see it was God; not just flesh and bone, no, this man was so much more, you see, it takes love, it takes love to see that it was God, oh, it was God.  It was God breaking bread to eat, it was God, giving wine to drink.  The Sustainer of the universe, reaching out to end the curse, and through His covenant of grace, a new abiding way - it was God.  Oh, can’t you see it was God?  It takes spiritual eyes to see it was God; not just flesh and bone, no, this man was so much more, you see, it takes love, it takes love to see that it was God, oh, it was God.  It was God, dying on the cross, it was God, rising from the dead.  The Redeemer of the universe, finally has crushed the curse, and by His Holy Spirit gives a new and living way - it was God.  Oh, can’t you see it was God?  It takes spiritual eyes to see it was God; not just flesh and bone, no, this man was so much more to me, it takes love, it takes love to see that it was God, oh, it was God.

The Love of God (Heebner)*

     Turned around, headed the wrong way. Love flowed down, what more could He say?  He trod the path that I could not tread, made it mine by the blood He shed; my life made wholly new by the love of God.  Love comes down, washes me away.  Pride unwound, I know I need to pray, that my secret, selfish, soul’s desire be refined by the Spirit’s fire, let my life be transformed by the love of God, oh, the love of God, by the love of God, yeah, the love of God.  All fall down short of why we’re made, earthly crown, quickly will it fade.  Through one man came an eternal rift; justified by Another One’s gift, now condemnation’s denied by the love of God, by the love of God, by the love of God, yeah, the love of God.  Look around, tell me what you see, silent sound, draws me to my knees; all the lives around that have no hope, hangin’ on by a frayed rope, but through Him they can be alive, by the love of God, oh, the love of God, by the love of God, yeah, the love of God.

To The Light (Lutz)

     Flee the darkness, fight the fire, duel the demons, slip the Tempter; take flight to the Light.  We must put on the armor of God: helmet, breastplate, and shield.  Then we’ll block all the Beast’s fiery darts; dodge his lies and don’t yield. Flee the darkness, fight the fire, duel the demons, slip the Tempter, take flight to the Light. If we draw near to God then we know He will draw near to us.  If we tell Him our sins then we know He is faithful and just to forgive.  Flee the darkness, fight the fire, duel the demons, slip the Tempter; take flight to the Light.  If temptation should beckon your way to lure, beguile, and seduce, remember Jesus, oh, He’s been in your place, He’ll show the way of escape. Flee the darkness, fight the fire, duel the demons, slip the Tempter; take flight to the Light.

Election Day (Lutz)

     There was a time when Jesus drew me near, that was the time when He cast out all my fear, there was a time when He made my life brand new - that was the day when Jesus saved me, that was the day when Jesus forgave me, that was the day when He washed my sins away - that was election day.  There was a time when I went to the riverside, that was the time when He took away all my pride; healing waters flowed for all to see - that was the day when Jesus saved me, that was the day when Jesus forgave me, that was the day when He washed my sins away - that was election day.  There was a time when I first broke the bread and wine, there was a time when I fell on my knees and I cried, there was a time when I knew that He died for me - that was the day when Jesus saved me, that was the day when Jesus forgave me, that was the day when He washed my sins away - that was election day.

All The Time (Lutz, Zito)

      There in the street where I met you; when I met you we were friends.  There in the air was a spirit; the Holy Spirit of true friends.  Oh, how we played everyday there, and if we worked there it was fine, for we had the Joy every moment, for every foothill that we climbed, and I see you like a picture, a reflection in my mind, and I miss you, can I keep you?, how I need you all the time, all the time.  Then for a change I was stationed in the rain, by the coastline and the hills.  Stark vanity, an illusion, surrounded me; just a pocket of cheap thrills.  Then you came out and you joined me; someone closer than the rest; showed me the value of family, can we make it?, it’s the best. You came down from the heavens into time, left the throne all alone just to buy us and to die, now You’re pleading, interceding, for Your changed and spotless bride, come Lord Jesus, come Lord Jesus, come and give us Your true life; and I see You like a picture, a reflection in my mind, and I miss You, can I keep You?, how I need You all the time, all the time.

There I Meet You (Lutz)

     When I’m walkin’ down this road of life, without realizin’ where I’ve gone; I forgot to take in all the roadside beauty; seems I’ve lost my way, but there I meet You.  Then at other times when I’m feelin’ just fine, somethin’ happens and I get uptight; seems I’m livin’ in a box made by Skinner; life’s a mess of fears, but there I meet You - everywhere I turn, every page I turn - there I Meet You.  In my darkest hour, I remember the words that You said to me, “Never be afraid, I am with you now ’til the end of the age, never be dismayed, I am with you always”.  When I’m walkin’ down this road and I feel that heavy load, I’ll remember Lord, “Your burden is easy”.  What the Bible says is, oh, so true, “A life of peace and rest is a mind stayed on You; leadin’ me down beside the still waters, in paths of righteousness”, is where I meet You.

Man From Galilee (Lutz)

     Have you ever heard the story about the Man from Galilee?  He didn’t come for His own glory, He only came to set His people free from sin and darkness, things that bind you, all the trouble everywhere; He’s the only One who’ll save you, know He cares.  You may ask me, do I know Him?  Yes, I’ve known Him now for quite a while. He gave me life when I was dying, He gave me love and joy and made me smile; and eyes for beauty all around me, all the mercies everywhere, strength in pain and hope for trials, oh, He cares.  So I ask you, “Do you know Him; have you opened up and let Him in? He’s the only One who’ll save you; let Him in and let new life begin. Oh, you’ll grow in love and patient kindness; giving thanks to God in prayer.  You’ll worship, praise Him, and adore Him; He waits there.”  Have you ever heard the story about the Man from Galilee?  He didn’t come for His own glory, He only came to set His people free.  Oh, He died that we might be forgiven, but the best was yet to come; on Sunday mornin’ He was risen! - life forevermore - He’s the Lord, this Man from Galilee, He’s the Lord.

Like A Shepherd (Carlstrom, Lutz)

     Jesus, like a Shepherd lead us, when we go astray come and find us, lead us in Your everlasting way.  Jesus is the Way, the Door to Heaven, all who enter must go through Him; not a hired hand who runs from danger; but a Good Shepherd who knows my name.  Jesus, like a Shepherd lead us, when we go astray come and find us, lead us in Your everlasting way.  When I take my eyes, my eyes off Jesus, I start to wander and I lose my way; His voice calls to me, I must follow, He leaves the ninety-nine to bring me home.  Jesus, like a Shepherd lead us, when we go astray come and find us, lead us in Your everlasting way.  The Lord’s my Shepherd, I have no needs, He makes me lie down in pastures green; leads me down by the waters calm, He restores my soul with Gilead’s balm.  His rod and staff, oh, they comfort me, He blesses me before my enemies, and I will dwell with Him, I will dwell with Him for all eternity.  Jesus, like a Shepherd lead us, when we go astray come and find us, lead us in Your everlasting way.

Living Proof (Lutz)

     So many skeptics are runnin’ around these days: atheists, agnostics - all lost in a spiriutual maze.  Seems it’s been a problem now for most of this age - since men first entered into that intellectual haze; but this world’s alive and it speaks to me of all His wealth of power and glory, from the infinite sky, to the ocean’s roar, the colors, complexity, beauty, and more - all on display as living proof.  So many passing aimlessly through life: grandparents, children, husbands, and wives.  Without a vision, hope, or purpose to their pace - I can’t even imagine my next step without faith; ’cause my soul’s alive that once had died, now a dream of heaven floods my mind’s eye, it all began when He made me new, and clued me in on His grand worldview, now my whole life is living proof.  Life’s a serious, life’s a precious thing (”I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly“); with fear and fun, but it ain’t no game (”The Lord is an everpresent help to those in trouble; a refuge“); to realize that it’s a gift requires a supernatural change (”Unless you become like little children, you may not enter the kingdom of God; you must be born again“).  This world’s alive and it speaks to me; my soul’s alive that once had died; His Word’s alive and creating still; won’t ever be complete until He’s finished making all things new; reveals at last what’s good and true; it’s not the end way beyond the blue, no, it’s not the end, it’s not the end way beyond the blue, ah, He lives to say, He lives to say, He lives to say, He lives to say, “He’s living proof”.

Cindy Kaye (Lutz)

     Cindy Kaye, Cindy Kaye, where’d you get that smiling face? Cindy Kaye, oh Cindy Kaye, you have such a beautiful way.  Cindy Kaye, Cindy Kaye, where’d you get those teary eyes? Cindy Kaye, oh Cindy Kaye, you have such a beautiful way.  Cindy Kaye, Cindy Kaye, where’d you get that hair of brown? Cindy Kaye, oh Cindy Kaye, you have such a beautiful way.  Cindy Kaye, Cindy Kaye, where’d you get those eyes of blue? Cindy Kaye, oh Cindy Kaye, you have such a beautiful way.  Cindy Kaye, Cindy Kaye, where’d you get a heart that’s true? Cindy Kaye, oh Cindy Kaye, you have such a beautiful way. Now I can say without regret, though you may not have learned this yet, your Maker is the Lord above, and you reflect His love. Cindy Kaye, Cindy Kaye, you’ve brightened up my dreary day, Cindy Kaye, oh Cindy Kaye, you have such a beautiful way!

Copyright 2008 Charles Lutz

*Used by permission

Click the blue “play” button to hear a sample of Windover.

(click on images to enlarge)

 The Windover CD cover - Dad, Uncle Herb, and Grandfather “Gramps” in a row boat…”Oh Windover, your song I sing”…

 A “T.A.D.” - typical Adirondack day!

 The drive into Windover Cottage…”the pine scent fills up the air”…

 Hill House…”Oh Windover, your love I’ve known in the Adirondack Mountain home”…

 View of the Adirondack high peaks and Mount Marcy from Hill House’s back yard.

 Charles and Gramps in the Hill House kitchen, circa 1981.

 North Creek…”the rivers flow and the forests grow, they will forevermore”…

 Cousin Dan and Charlie climb neighboring Gore Mountain.

 View of Windover Lake from the top of Gore Mountain, with Crane Mountain in the background…”the mountains hide water deep and wide”…

 Common Loon on Windover Lake…”the wilderness lives within you”…

 View from the shore of Windover Cottage…”your waters run to the shore”…

 The Windover Olympics - Team Lutz!

 2004 Windover Reunion…”we’ve come to be with the family”…

(Lyrical quotes in italics are from the song, Windover, written by Charles Lutz)

Click the blue “play” button to hear a sample of Crystal Blue Evening.

(click on images to enlarge)

 California Redwoods and Crescent Moon (the CD cover) - “There comes a scene awakening on the horizon in the sky…”

 Emerald Point at Lake Tahoe - “…it fills up the air; you can see everywhere that it’s thrilling; let it shine…”

 Sunset through Oaks over Pacific in CA - “…the sounds in the trees make a quiet symphony; there’s a message being told…”

 Frosty Creek in Smoky Mountains - “…as the brook next to me adds a soft harmony; peaceful music to behold…”

 Sun sitting low over Farmland in Indiana - “…the sun’s sinking low and it’s splendor is shown…”

 Sunset over Lake Michigan - “…the colors are formed from the violets to orange…”

 Rocks and Clouds at Twighlight over Pacific Ocean in CA - “…these are the sights and the sounds of the Crystal Blue Evening…”

 Crystal Blue Evening in an Arizona Desert - “…oh, how the twilight is still!  There’s a hush as it lingers…”

 Seaside Serenade near Big Sur, CA - “…there’s a feeling that starts growing deep in my heart; it surrounds me where I lie; and there’s no need to hide from the comfort inside; yes, I’m happy - God is nigh!…” (and He’s the real Big “Sir”!)

 Herring Gulls at Lake Michigan.

 California Beach at Twilight - “…behold the sights and the sounds of the Crystal Blue Evening!”

(Lyrical quotes in italics are from the song, Crystal Blue Evening, written by Charles Lutz)

Double click the blue “play” button to hear a sample of Summer To Summer.

(click on images to enlarge)

 “Many a mile I’ve traveled alone to come to a mountain that I will call home…

 …I’ll stay for the summer; a summer of fun; there’s so much to be done…

…camp is a very special friend; with it I’m satisfied…

                 …there is a love that never ends, and never says goodbye…

 …here in the woods with valleys and lakes and days of adventure…

 …in watch of the morning…a time for us to share…’round the fire and in our hearts, the Spirit living there…

…you are my very special friends…

 …with you I come alive…

 …we have a love that never ends…

…and never says goodbye…”Hi!”  

 Shining Rock Wilderness - Blue Ridge Mountains, NC

(Lyrical quotes in italics are from the song, Summer To Summer, written by Charles Lutz and dedicated to Falling Creek Camp)

 Black-eyed Susans

 Dutchman’s Britches

 Road Lilies

 Iris

 Forget-me-nots

 Bluebonnets

 Rose

 Columbine

 Azaleas

 Daisies

 Cacti

   Charlie had learned that hawks, falcons and other birds of prey could be trained to land on your arm, so he decided to give it a try!  He held out his arm and clicked his fingers.  To his amazement, the little bird flew right to him!  Charlie was delighted to have a new friend.

   Charlie had studied birds in school and at home, and he saw that this little bird was an American Kestrel (that’s it’s fancy name); it’s more commonly known as a Sparrow Hawk.

Psalm 104:24 “How many are Your works, O Lord!  In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures”                   

   The following day, Charlie and the little orphaned bird met again in the park.  Charlie’s sister, Annie, called the little Sparrow Hawk “Sparky”.  It seemed to fit him perfectly, so Sparky he became! 

Isaiah 43:1 “I, the Lord, have summoned you by name; you are mine”   

   Every morning Sparky would be waiting to greet Charlie.  When Charlie walked onto his front porch, Sparky would zoom from the fence in the park straight to Charlie’s arm.  After enjoying whatever snack Charlie brought out, Sparky would climb right up onto Charlie’s shoulder or even the top of his head!

   As Sparky grew he learned to fly with grace and beauty.  He could glide, hover, swoop, turn on a dime, and of course, he was very, very fast!

Isaiah 40:31 “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles”

Copyright 2008 ChasLutzBooks

Check out the REAL SPARKY PHOTOS! under the category “More Photos”

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Oh, Windover, your song I sing; can you hear it loud, won’t you let it ring?  Laughing in the sun your time’s just begun to shine.  Oh, Windover, your love I’ve known in the Adirondack Mountain home; in the wilderness, in the peacefulness, we will live.

The wilderness lives within you; your waters run to the shore.  The rivers flow and the forests grow; they will forevermore.  The pine trees grow on the lakeside.  The birch leaves twinkle like stars.  The mountains hide waters deep and wide; you know just where you are.

Oh, Windover, your spirit sings of the love it has and the joy it brings.  We’re all a part of the family.  We’re all a part of the harmony.