Stories and Songs by Afterglow

Our experiences recording in Nashville brought us into contact with some talented musicians and wonderful songwriters, who also turned out to be great human beings! While we haven’t done individual episodes for all these songs, this one stands out for its message of family, faith and cherished memories.

For almost 50 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music f...

A calling to serve in the Primary led to the creation of some new ‘songs for children’, with the young people providing ideas for the topics and lyrics of the songs. For Mothers and Fathers Days, a single musical track with different lyrics for each day allowed us to celebrate these most influential people in our lives with a simple, sometimes whimsical perspective.

For almost 50 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow h...

Over the years, we’ve written and recorded several big, brassy anthems that emphasize the energy and spirit with which we should live the Gospel. This song, which draws its inspiration from the classic poem Invictus by Willian E. Henley, gives focus to the part of our mortal journey that we can influence, recognizing that our ultimate destiny is guided and made possible through the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ.

For almost 50 ...

An old friend called Joel out of the blue one day to discuss the unthinkable—the impending death of her husband and the father of their children. A request was made to create a song that could be performed at the funeral, but rather than focusing on the grief and sorrow of the loss, she asked that we focus on all the beautiful blessings he would leave behind.

For almost 50 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow have bee...

Palm Sunday provides a special feeling as we contemplate many early disciples who prepared to meet the Lord over 2000 years ago. As we prepare to meet the Lord at his Second Coming, striving to live His teachings, will assist us in our preparation. Sincere repentance, daily prayer, faith, humility, and love toward others, will help us prepare for that glorious day. Preparing to meet Him is not about perfection, but about consistent...

This song is one of our earliest ‘originals’, written about the time of our missionary service to capture the blessings of love and service to others. When we see those around us a fellow children of God, our love and charity towards them swells within us.

For almost 50 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of faith around the globe. Behind thei...

Often the path of discipleship isn’t revealed all at once. It unfolds step by step. When one considers dedicating time to serve Christ—such as through missionary work—they usually find that the purpose becomes clearer as they pray, study scripture, and listen quietly for guidance. Many believers trust that God knows their heart and will guide them as they sincerely seek Him.

For almost 50 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay of Af...

Our music is often described as quiet and peaceful, but we’ve written a few songs over the years that might be described as ‘big anthems’, as well. Kevin wrote this song as a sort of theme song for his mission in St. Louis, Missouri, based on the Lord’s encouragement in Ephesians 6 and Doctrine & Covenants 27 to ‘put on the whole armor of God’. The song evokes an army preparing for battle; the message for us all is to gather sp...

To each of us, our Savior, Jesus Christ can be our everything—the steady light when life feels uncertain, the quiet strength when we're worn thin, and the unfailing love that reminds us we're never alone. In joy, He magnifies our gratitude; in sorrow, He carries what feels too heavy for our own hands. His mercy steadies our heart's, His teachings shape our choices, and His sacrifice gives meaning to both our struggles and our hopes...

When there's love in our hearts, we can witness quiet strength that shapes who we are and how we treat one another. It shows up in patience when things are hard, in kindness when no one is watching, and in forgiveness when it would be easier to turn away. This love doesn’t demand attention or applause—it simply lives within us, guiding our words and actions, reminding us that even small acts of compassion can carry great power. Whe...

A favorite scripture teaches us how the pure light of Christ can lift us up and beyond our current circumstances, giving us grace for grace, leading us eventually to that perfect day. This song is a hopeful anthem to the day when we see and feel that light shining from our Savior’s eyes and reflected in our hearts.

For almost 50 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirati...

The prophet Alma, teaching at the Waters of Mormon, delivered the ultimate baptismal challenge to his listeners. He asked if they were willing to mourn with those that mourn, comfort those that stand in need of comfort and stand as witnesses of God in all places they might be in. Those words—and that invitation—are still relevant today in the way we care for our family and friends.

For almost 50 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Pea...

Friendship has a quiet but transformative power—it steadies you when life tilts, celebrates you when you rise, and reminds you that you don’t have to navigate the world alone. Over time, these connections shape who you become, giving you courage, belonging, and a sense of being deeply known. It’s one of the rare forces in life that grows stronger the more you give it away. Yes, everybody needs a friend. 

For almost 50 years, Joel M...

A story was told in General Conference some time ago by Elder Carl Cook. He’d had a long, difficult day and found himself in an elevator in the church office building. Looking down at the floor in some discouragement, he was surprised by the voice of President Monson, who suggested to him that ‘it’s better to look up’!  This song is a reminder that peace can always be found when we elevate our gaze to Him.

For almost 50 years, Joel...

We reminisce about our holiday albums and concerts in a separate episode, but some songs deserve their own story!  The message here is simple and pure, with a harmonic vocal arrangement that brings a sweet tone to the great story of our Savior’s birth.

For almost 50 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of faith around the globe. Behind their so...

Faith and the blessings of the spirit give us perspective and comfort during times of trial, but some times and trials can seem more than we can bear. Whether a young mother trying to live up to unrealistic ideals, a man who struggles to stay consistently on the covenant path, or a father trying to communicate with a rebellious teenager, sometimes we just need the comfort and strength to know we can make it through today.

For almos...

Many years ago, a young couple expecting their first child was devastated by their precious baby’s premature death. The tragedy shook them, but in time they found faith and comfort in the promises of Heavenly Father’s plan.

For almost 50 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of faith around the globe. Behind their songs, however, are the stories...

Stories and scriptures from the Book of Mormon have frequently been the inspiration for songs we’ve written. This song, the title cut of the album, celebrates the Book of Mormon as another witness of Jesus Christ, and the prophetic vision of the Gospel rolling forth throughout the world. 

For almost 50 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of fa...

Even in the midst of uncertainty, the promise of a brighter day can stir hope like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. It’s the quiet assurance that no matter how heavy the moment feels, clarity and warmth are on the horizon. A brighter day invites renewal—an opportunity to breathe deeper, smile wider, and believe again in the beauty of possibility. It’s not just about better weather or good fortune; it’s about the shift within...