Dave Stanley

What I've been up to since my days in the Children of the Light: Our family moved down to the Temecula Valley (California) in 1978 and has been here ever since. Though not a prolific song writer/singer during the COTL days, God moved my heart into a place of leading worship early on, while being part of a church plant here in the valley. Along with running a few different businesses to pay the bills, for the last 31 years I've been involved with three different churches and one "parachurch" organization, leading worship, writing worship songs, mentoring and developing other leaders and co-producing a few worship CD's.

My favorite Children of the Light memories: Sooooo many memories, so little time! Wow, where do I start? There was....New Year's Eve at Hollywood Pres., burritos and movies at the Mendocino commune, soul cakes at Patrick's Point, the thunderstorm at Jesus Fest, Canada....and, speaking of being washed away, Niagara Falls! The @#!!* outburst on stage at the Salt Co. (by a fan giving his "testimony"?) Firecrackers in the dorm at midnight, the "Magnificent Melvin" I gave to Randy in the van at about half-passed-stir-crazy.

Honestly, so many! I know I should talk about the wonderful ministry opportunities, and there were many, but that's not what comes to mind. I think my fondest memory is when I found myself on the floor of the stage at "The Daisy", a Christian night club where we were playing with Barry McGuire. After being shocked, almost to death, by completing an electrical circuit when I grabbed the mic stand with my other hand on my bass (thank you Randy for saving my life!) I was knocked cold to the floor. After having been there in a daze for a few minutes, Barry came over, took my boots off and began to rub my feet!! I remember like it was yesterday thinking....Barry McGuire is rubbing my feet!!!! No way!! I think I'll just stay here for a while!...I got better eventually.

Something I'd like you to know about me: I am a sinner saved by God's grace. I'm so thankful. Thankful for the privilege of being used by God to touch people for His kingdom's sake. Thankful for the opportunity to play music with these guys who will always hold a special place of honor and love in my heart.

I can honestly say that I've never been as close to, or connected more deeply with another group of men in my life as I have with these guys. We were more than just a band of musicians, we were family! We will always have a deep connection and always hold in common our shared memories of those days. The older I get, the more I appreciate it! Thanks, guy's.

My favorite things:

• Sports: Never really been into competitive sports all that much although I played football and baseball as a kid. I really enjoy surfing a lot, especially right now. It's good for the soul! Snorkeling, scuba and hunting would be right up there.
  

• Music: I love to play music (bass for fun!) but also enjoy listening to The Police, U2, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Butterfly Boucher, Coldplay, Lifehouse, Chris Tomlin...etc.
  

• Movies: Braveheart, all time best! Groundhog Day, Man on Fire, Princess Bride, Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers...all of them! Sound of Music....classic!
  

• Books/Authors: I read mostly for inspiration: Wild at Heart/Eldredge, Worship His Majesty/Hayford, Applause of Heaven/Lucado, Seven Season's of the Man In The Mirror/Morley, Breaking Intimidation/Bevere, Disappointment With God/Yancey.
  

• Activities: Surfing, walking or riding bikes with Linda at the beach, surfing, spending time with my kids/grandkids, surfing, camping, taking a drive with Linda into the great outdoors and...you guessed it!
  

• Food: I really enjoy all types of food, although I eat a lot less than I used to. A common phrase of mine at the dinner table use to be, "are you going to eat that?"....not any more. I love sushi, tri-tip, any seafood dish (no casseroles please!), baby backs!
  

If I could spend time with any historical person...King David has always been a hero of mine. What an interesting and complex man! A man after God's own heart to be sure. A very special man, anointed by God from the obscurity of a shepherd's field to a crown of royalty. He was a warrior, poet, musician, leader, worshipper and craftsman. He prayed honestly to God and listened closely. He conquered his enemies and led his people to the throne of God. He was strong and tender, honest and vulnerable, passionate and contrite, loyal and true. He was a great King and a great friend. Like all of us, he had his flaws and imperfections, yet he loved his Lord with all of his heart. I would love to sit in the grass with him and glean from his heart....maybe some day.

My links:

• I'll take sausage and cuff for $2,000, Alex.