...reflects the spiritual maturity Teems has gained through his 10+ years of recording. He mixes poetic lyrics, abstract keyboards, woodwind-sounding vocals, and breathy recitations into soothing, sensitive, and deeply personal acoustic worship to embrace during a quiet time.

The 11 original songs, all written and produced by Teems, segue well. My favorite is CREDO, which features raw, confessional type lyrics and great acoustic guitar (think Wes King or Bob Bennett). The title cut SCARS AND STRIPES FOREVER amplifies our day-to-day spiritual hungers, blending portions of Isaiah 53 with the Statue of Liberty's poem by Emma Lazarus. Teems writes,"I'm a stranger here with no country of my own / so I'll turn this heart to you, O Christ, my home."

SCARS AND STRIPES can release a flood of emotion in mature listeners who "know too well the thorn of time and memory."

Michael Anderson, Music reviewer CBA MARKETPLACE August 1998

The new project, SCARS AND STRIPES, was well worth the wait! Listening for the first time was like coming home again to a very familiar place... When I am feeling anxious, scared, or alone, I know I will be ushered so beautifully into the presence of God accompanied by the confession, cleansing, adoration, and praise found in David's music... In my store, there is no such thing as too much David Teems' product.

Char Heard Owner CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE Twin Falls, IL

To David...I've heard the phrase "bless your heart" all my life, but I always took it lightly, as if it meant something like "Aren't you nice" or to a kid "Aren't you cute", or upon receiving a gift "Aren't you generous."

But what you perceived in your new album in that one particular song (SOMEWHERE IN THE HEART) and in the words of its dedication has made me think about the meaning of that phrase.

Although my voice was silent, my heart was speaking, and through the words of your song, I now know that your heart was listening. I wonder what this world would be like if we would all listen to each others hearts?

So, David, I would like to say to you, "Bless your heart" God bless your heart for listening to the hearts of others and for caring.

Love in Christ,

Johnny in Atlanta, GA

...as soon as I heard your new title song SCARS AND STRIPES FOREVER, I began to weep. I wept as a release came to my understanding. It was as if Jesus were singing to me. Even when I listened to the whole CD, I was and still am blessed beyond my capacity to understand or express it. For God has touched the life in me through your voice and your words.

Carolyn in Loganville, GA

Your music continues to play daily on my stereo. It's so soothing and so healing. We played SCARS AND STRIPES all the way to Cleveland. ...Chris C (at our church) started playing the SCARS AND STRIPES CD. He said several people were so touched by the music, "tears were streaming down one girl's face." BG (another friend) decided to order several to "hand out" to people. That's what I have been doing. I'm going to continue to do what I can to help you further the ministry that God has given you in this hurting world.

Gail in Charleston, WV

Your vulnerability, coupled with your knowledge and presentation of the heart of Jesus touches the deepest longings of the human spirit. It is obvious that you have traveled a difficult journey, turning to and fro and trusting in the heart of Jesus. And now, you allow Jesus to use your intimate relationship with Him to usher others into His presence.

Rebecca in Cincinnati, OH

I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for your music and the words that have such a special anointing upon them. And that is why I am writing you. There has been opportunity after opportunity the Lord has used what He gave you to minister to the broken suffering people in this world, right here where I live. One couple having a major marriage problem came over to our house for prayer. We played the CD but especially HEAL MY SOUL (from SCARS AND STRIPES) had a major impact on them.

Robin in Fairmont, WV