Stories and Songs by Afterglow

Believing is one of the greatest gifts we can carry in our hearts, for it gives us hope when the road seems uncertain and strength when life becomes difficult. Believing in love is something beautiful and fulfilling. Love teaches us to look beyond our differences, to forgive, to reach out when someone feels alone, and to see the goodness that lives within every human soul.

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...

Life is a journey, and each of us is traveling a road filled with unexpected turns, beautiful scenery, difficult challenges, and moments that take our breath away. Along the way, we are blessed to share that journey with our fellow travelers, each carrying their own dreams, hopes and oft times, burdens. Sometimes we walk beside someone who needs encouragement, while other times we find ourselves needing a helping hand or a kind word. A smile, a gentle touch, a listening ear, or a moment of kindness can change someone's direction and brighten their road for others and ourselves. 

Sometimes the most meaningful moments are warm gestures that come from the heart. A simple I'm sorry, I love you, a sincere smile, can say more than a thousand words. Life is often made beautiful by simple things—a warm hug, a kind word, a sunset, a song, or a quiet moment shared with someone we love. To create lasting memories; sometimes all it takes is a caring heart, and the willingness to appreciate the simple things and blessings that surround us every day.

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

Sometimes it feels as though Heaven is quietly asking us to give a little bit of love to those around us. Not through grand gestures or great sacrifices, but through a kind word, a helping hand, a listening ear, or a simple smile. Every small act of love can bring light into someone’s life and remind them that they are not alone.

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 that have en...

Little Believers are heaven sent and are beautiful examples of trusting with a pure and open heart. Children believe that tomorrow will be brighter, that prayers are heard, and that love can overcome fear. Their faith does not depend on having all the answers; it comes from simply trusting in someone they know will guide and protect them. Their faith reminds us to let go of doubt, believe in the goodness of God, and walk forward with hope—even when we cannot see what lies ahead. 

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

Whose side are we on? Heavenly restoration has revealed a clear path through revelation to the Lord's prophets. Amos 3:7, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets". Joseph Smith the prophet of the restoration and those who have followed through priesthood authority, are His prophets of the Latter-day! May we heed their counsel, find the power to trust and follow.

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...

The return of one of our nephews from his mission spurred the writing of this song, a
message of gratitude for the lessons learned through service in his field of labor.
One of those cherished lessons reflects on the truth of King Benjamin’s declaration
that when we are in the service of others, we are only in the service of our God.

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 st...

Children provide us with a view into eternity with their appreciation of simple moments, joy of learning and curiosity of the world before them. Our Savior, Jesus Christ reminded us through scripture to become as little children in humility and love. We are often reminded by them that happiness is often found in the little things and that a sense of wonder can make everyday life feel extraordinary.

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...

We’re occasionally asked to provide music for the funerals of friends and family
members, which can feel like both an honor and a weighty challenge. How to
capture the virtues and story of a well-loved friend or family member? How to sum
up, in a few words and musical phrases, the essence of a life well lived?

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 that have enriched and in...

How many of us have had moments of doubt, or wondered if we would really be able to respond to the Lord’s call? In 2 Nephi 4, upon the death of his father, Lehi, the prophet Nephi humbly pondered his own capability to lead his people. He may have wondered if he was up to the task, but he was faithful in praising and trusting in God.   

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 stor...

Anniversaries remind us of the experiences, commitments, and growth that have shaped our lives through the years. This song written specifically for Cindy by Kevin and performed on their wedding day 43 years ago, etches a record of his love for her and will forever be found in the archive of their lives. 

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 that have enriched and informed their lives--stories of faith and family, challenges and t...

This song captures an important, fundamental truth of the Gospel, sharing testimony of God’s plan and the beauty and infinite scope of His creations. As we consider with prayer and study the truths we can learn, He will expand our understanding and bless us with a deeper and stronger knowledge of His eternal, divine plan for us all.

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 that have enriched and informed their li...

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 for people of faith around the globe. Behind their songs, however, are the stories that have enriched and informed their lives--stories of faith and family, challenges and tr...

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 have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of faith around the globe. Behind their songs, however, are the...

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 years, Joel McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of faith ar...

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 been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of faith around the globe. Be...

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 effort and a willing heart, trusting that through His grace we can be made whole and ready to stand in His presence with peace and joy.

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 their songs, however, are the stories that have enriched and informed their lives--stories of faith and family, challenges and triumphs, joy and tria...

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 Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of faith around the globe. Behind their songs, however, are the stories that have e...

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 spiritual strength for the challenges ahead.

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

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 we look at who we are and who we're trying to become, we see His influence woven through it all. He is ou...

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. When love lives in our hearts, it connects us, heals divisions, and helps us see the worth and light in ever...

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 inspirational music for people of faith around the globe. Behind their songs, however, are the stories that have enriched and informed their li...

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 Peay of Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of faith around the globe. Behind their songs, howe...

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 McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of faith around the globe...

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 McCausland and Kevin Peay of Afterglow have been writing, recording and performing inspirational music for people of...

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 songs, however, are the stories that have enriched and informed their lives--stories of faith and family, challenges and triumphs, joy and trials. Join us to dis...

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

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 that have enriched and informed their lives--stories of faith and family, challenges and triumphs, joy and trials. Join us to discover both the stories and songs of A...

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 faith around the globe. Behind their songs, however, are the stories that have enriched and informed their lives--stories of faith and family, challenges and triumphs, joy and tri...

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, when resilience meets optimism and the heart dares to dream forward. That glimmer, however faint, is enough to keep going.

For almo...

The opportunity to share the truths of the gospel with a brother or sister can be one of the greatest joys of our lives. This song reflects on the experience of conversion from the perspective of those waiting for someone to bring the blessings of the gospel to them. 

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 that have enriched and informed their lives--stories of faith and family, challenges and triumphs, joy and t...

Now more than ever, as apostles and prophets have taught us, our ability to Stand in Holy Places and Lift Where We Stand declarations, can provide a solid foundation and a fruitful oasis in our lives. As we Stand for Something, may we also Stand for Something right, as it can bring ourselves and others to our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

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 that have enriched and informed t...

The Primary is a special place in our church, where our youngest children gather each Sunday to sing and to learn the simple truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We’ve recorded several of these beautiful songs and even had the opportunity to engage some of the young people we know in the writing and recording of some new Primary tunes.

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 that have enriched an...

One of the things we’ve come to love in our musical journey is to the opportunity to create new interpretations of some of our favorite old and new hymns. Great arrangers such as Merrill Jenson and Greg Hanson have helped us find creative interpretations, and many others helped us discover hymns we weren’t as familiar with. The result is a collection of several albums of sacred music, recorded in Salt Lake City and London, as the ‘backstory’ for some of our most memorable and interesting experiences.

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

One of our favorite numbers recorded in Nashville was created by a trio of talented writers, with a unique twist on the old phrase ‘seeing is believing’. The message is that rather than approaching the most important relationships of our lives in doubt, we can create a better reality, stronger bonds and more mature relationships by believing in the power of each other’s love.

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 that h...

We were both blessed with parents who loved unconditionally, shared important values, and taught us right from wrong. The lessons we learned, even if we didn’t always follow them perfectly, have proven their worth time and again, and this song pays tribute to the ongoing blessings of their legacy to 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 their songs, however, are the stories that have enriched and informed their lives--stories of faith and family, challenges and tri...

We’ve been blessed in our lives to know several special individuals who have had to deal with physical or mental challenges and limitations. We’ve watched the sacrifices of their families and caretakers, and we’ve been inspired by the way they meet the unique difficulties through which they’re called to pass. 

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 that have enriched and informed their lives--stories of faith and family, challenge...

Several years ago, we participated in a stake youth trek at Martin’s Cove in
Wyoming and wrote this song as a tribute to our pioneer forebears who sacrificed so
much to establish the church. The lessons of perseverance, faith and enduring to the
end that sustained the early pioneers are the same lessons that will carry us through
the challenging times ahead.

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 th...

Our Heavenly Father’s plan was designed to give us experience, including some that might test our faith and commitment to follow Him.  Through trials and sorrows, joy and celebrations, our objective remains the same—to live this mortal life as faithfully as we can and to return to live eternally with Him. 

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 that have enriched and informed their lives--stories of faith and family, challenges and tr...