12.22.2013

2012 Soundtrack (Part 2...finally)

Your Great Name - Natalie Grant

Our God - Chris Tomlin

Beautiful Things - Gungor

Forever Reign - Shane & Shane

The Stand - Kristian Stanfill

Come Thou Fount - Page CXVI

This Gift - Glen Hansard  This song is part of the reason that I decided to finish this list. Most of the other songs are worship songs. They are songs that I listened to over and over last year because they helped me to verbalize and sing praise to God (Jesus) that He deserves and desires from me, as well as my gratitude to Him. The song This Gift, I first heard at the end of the movie The Odd Life of Timothy Green. At this time, I couldn't even tell you much about the actual movie, but the song really struck me. When I listen to the lyrics, I can't help but think of Jesus...the greatest Gift I have ever received.

Christmas 2013 is only 3 days away. Today at church, Luke's Children's Church teacher told me he had raised his hand today to tell everyone, "In 3 days, Christmas is coming to town!" It is an exciting time, especially for kiddos, because it is a time of waiting and of expectation...of gifts. I have a precious nephew who truly thinks he is getting a real Power Rangers sword based on the fact that he asked Santa for one. I hope someday he will also believe in God's grace and accept the greatest Gift.

Thank you God for Jesus.

3.24.2013

Palm Sunday

I am overwhelmed today. But not in the usual, stressed-out way. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I was not expecting this.

Today is Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the week leading to Easter, the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yep, I believe that Christ died (Good Friday) and rose 3 days later. And I believe it was for me, for you, and the world.

We walked into Saint Patrick's Presbyterian Church (a little late, which is so unlike us). The kiddos were gathered in a room next to the sanctuary where they were given palm branches. During the first song of the service, the kiddos would walk a loop around the sanctuary waving the branches. Luke loved it. Didn't understand it, but loved it. :)

A little later, as I sat listening to the sermon, I was reflecting on many aspects of my life and my connection to Jesus. I am grateful for this connection...this relationship. I am 32 years old, and it is a relationship I have had for 13 1/2 years. I didn't grow up going to church, and while I understand the reasons why, I can't help but feel that I missed out on a lot. I hadn't heard of Palm Sunday until I was in college, and here I am this morning, watching my son walk through the sanctuary waving a palm branch, like the people of Jerusalem waved them for the Messiah, Jesus. Emotions.

I also reflected on the humility of Christ entering Jerusalem on that day. Not on a war horse, but on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:1-11). He was (and is) King! Royalty! Ruler of all! Can you picture the Queen of England entering London to go to Buckingham Palace on the back of a donkey?!?  It's just not what you would expect, and I'm sure His suffering, death on a cross, and resurrection from death was not what the people expected of their Messiah either.

So, back to this overwhelming gratitude...I am grateful God loves. I am grateful for Christ's death and resurrection, and that He is my Savior. I am grateful that He can be your Savior too. I am grateful my hubby loves God. I am grateful our boys get to grow up going to church and that they will probably understand more about the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and Bible in their lifetimes on Earth than I will in mine. I am grateful for His peace, understanding, and mercy. Emotions.


1.31.2013

2012 soundtrack (part 1)

Home by Philip Phillips - I can't help but sing along to this song whenever it comes on the radio (and the boys always join in too). I didn't watch American Idol this past season (or hardly any other season for that matter), but my parents were watching, and they both liked Philip and kept me updated on him. This was also the same time my Mama Ruth was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through chemo. It took it's toll on her, and on May 14th, 2012, her body surrendered (with my dad, sister, brother and myself by her side). I had stayed in Iowa a little longer than my hubby because he had a marathon to run on the 20th. So, my dad brought me and my littles back to Colorado later. The final performances on American Idol happened to be finishing while dad was here, so of course he needed to watch. I came in from the back yard (from making smores) just in time to catch Philip begin Home. I told my dad then that it was an amazing song and could easily be a hit. ;) I have yet to get tired of it, but it has a sweet place in my heart and reminds me of my mom every time I hear it.

Me Without You by TobyMac - Another song that lifts my spirit and I just can't help but sing when I hear it. And Luke loved singing it, even when we weren't listening to it! :) "Where would I be without You?" A question I have pondered many times throughout my walk with Jesus, and one that I don't really want to know the answer.

Starlight by Muse - An older song that I continue to hear in various places these past few years. One night this year, I finally did a search for the name of it by using Google...I knew it was used for the  movie trailer for Crazy Stupid Love. Hahaha! Well, I found it, and it became a part of my soundtrack for 2012. Something about it captivates me.

Ho Hey by The Lumineers - Just a fun and sweet song! Love the unique sound. And I found out today that one of the girl band members graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2010. Kinda neat.

Some Nights by Fun. - One night while we were sitting at the dining table after eating dinner, Brett let me know that he wanted to show me a video of a song he liked. While I didn't recognize the song, I recognized the band's sound and knew it was Fun. (I had heard their song We Are Young). Now when we listen to this song in our home, we all can't help but dance or act like we are drummers. Just a couple weeks ago, I caught the Saturday Night Live performance of this song. I was impressed.

10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman - What a blessed and gifted songwriter. I know we will be singing some of his songs for eternity. This song reminds me sweetly that my earthly life is very temporary, to be grateful every day for God's mercies, and worship His holy name. The song grew on me the more I heard it, and it is another one Luke likes to sing along to as well.

Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave - 1, 2, 3. 1, 2, 3. 1, 2, 3. 1, 2, 3. Love the rhythm. Love the lyrics. Love the honesty. Love the truth. And I was able to lead worship at a Cru weekly meeting this past fall. This was one of the songs I sang.