Lyrics for the soul.

There have been two lyrics from two different songs that have really pierced my heart recently. I keep hearing these songs and I am always moved to praise and worship the Lord.

"Chains be broken. Lives be healed. Eyes be open. Christ is revealed." {You'll Come} I love the sequence of these lyrics because it's true to life. When we are bound in chains by our own desire to sin.. God woos us with his love and breaks those chains of bondage. God then takes our shattered life-pieces and helps harmonize our lives to his, once again. Praise him for his loving-kindness. We may still have the scares on our tender wrists and ankles from the shackles, but God heals our wounds, sometimes slowly - but surely, and our eyes are renewed to his grace and we are reminded of his gospel.



"Break my heart for what breaks yours. Everything I am for your kingdom's cause." {Hosanna} This is my lyrical call to ministry. I really desire a heart that is sensitive for what breaks God's heart. There are so many times when I walk by the issues of the world that really matter to God, and look the other way because "I don't have the time" or "I don't want to bother with that". I am so thankful that God NEVER said that about me. I want that heart. I want everything I do, say, think, and am to be for God's cause. I want to be God's girl. I can look back, like Joseph, and see all my struggles, snares, and seductions of this world and see how God has been so strategic in my life to bring me to this point. If you have ever heard me talk about my leading into girls ministry, you've heard how instrumental God has used my past to bring me to where I am. It's amazing. Everything.. EVERYTHING.. I am for YOUR kingdom's cause.



I pray that you, dear reader, would listen a little more closely to the songs you sing at church or the music you listen to.. maybe God is trying to woo your heart into a closer relationship with him.

Bluebird.

So, I am officially obsessed with this song. I really just feel these lyrics and the melody just woos me. I am in {{LOVE}}. I think it's time to break out my keyboard and learn this bad boy. Enjoy.



Word came through in a letter,
One of us changing our minds.
You won't need to guess who, since I usually do,
Not send letters to me that are mine.

Told you I saw this coming,
That I'd practically packed up my things.
Was glad at the time that I'd said I was fine but,
All honesty knows, I wasn't ready, no.

And so here we go bluebird,
Back to the sky on your own.
Oh let him go bluebird,
Ready to fly,
You and I,
Here we go.
Here we go.

This pair of wings worn and rusted,
Too many years by my side
They can carry me swear to be,
Sturdy and strong but see,
Turning them on still means goodbye.

Leave my love in a letter,
Went to the bes on your side.
Fine gathered my things, I'll make the best of these wings,
And me and my bird take to the sky.

And so here we go bluebird,
Gather your strength and rise up.
Oh let him go bluebird.
Oh let him go bluebird.
Oh let him go bluebird.
Ready to fly,
You and I,
Here we go.
Here we go...

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Christmas is here! This has to be one of my favorite times of year. For many reasons. I love warm blankets, hot chocolate, Christmas lights, and everything about the season. I also believe that Christmas is the most romantic holiday out there. Sorry, Valentine but I want my Santa Baby. ;) All these things are wonderful and woo my heart for the season.

However, there is an even bigger reason why I love Christmas so much. I love hearing the stories, songs, and scriptures about Jesus' birth. Everywhere you turn there is a reminder (no matter how small) of God coming to us in flesh to show us his loving grace. It's a constant reminder.. the gospel is always on the forefront of my mind at Christmas and I love that. One of my favorite Christmas Hymns is "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". There is just so much great theology in the words of this song:

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

My prayer for you, dear reader, is that this season you would really dig into the Christmas songs that roll so easily off our tongues and find the Truth in the words.. or even perhaps find where songs have gone terribly wrong in their theology. Sing the Truth.. sing it often.

All the Poor and Powerless.

Here's the story I'll tell my friends when they come to worship,
and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:
Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers;
give glory, you sons of Jacob;
adore him, you daughters of Israel.
He has never let you down,
never looked the other way
when you were being kicked around.
He has never wandered off to do his own thing;
he has been right there, listening.

Here in this great gathering for worship
I have discovered this praise-life.
And I'll do what I promised right here
in front of the God-worshipers.
Down-and-outers sit at God's table
and eat their fill.
Everyone on the hunt for God
is here, praising him.
"Live it up, from head to toe.
Don't ever quit!"

From the four corners of the earth
people are coming to their senses,
are running back to God.
Long-lost families
are falling on their faces before him.
God has taken charge;
from now on he has the last word.

All the power-mongers are before him
—worshiping!
All the poor and powerless, too
—worshiping!
Along with those who never got it together
—worshiping!

Our children and their children
will get in on this
As the word is passed along
from parent to child.
Babies not yet conceived
will hear the good news—
that God does what he says.

Music Monday :: The Notion

I went to a show with a friend last night to check out a band from her college town. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. I mean, I love music but I can be opinionated about it. This was definitely one of those college bands that plays at the frat houses, but they had some really good original music. They have the frat band thing going on but they also have this funk swagger about them. It was surprisingly refreshing. You should definitely check them out. My favorite song is "Love is Coming Over Me". http://www.myspace.com/thenotionrocks

"Other Guys" by Jonny Diaz

So, after yesterday's blog I decided to share a little somethin' somethin'. I heart JDiaz. First of all, he is an amazing musician PLUS his brother plays for the Braves. SCORE for the Diaz family! Here is a cute song that I love from him.



Yeah, if a guy stepped to me with this song.. I'd give him a shot. Ha! ;)

In case you couldn't hear the lyrics.. here you go:

So you're looking for a rescue,
valiant knight on noble steed.
Well, did you know that I like horses?
Unless that's not quite what you mean.
Girl you're looking for a hero
and what you're looking for I've got.
But if modesty's a turn on.
Well let me tell you what I'm not.

Cause I'm not like those other guys
that just hit on you and feed you lines.
But may I say you're looking fine tonight?
Well, I love my mom and you know I cried
when I saw The Notebook seven times.
but if that is not who you desire,
get that out of your mind.
Did I tell you you're looking fine tonight?
Because you are.

Well, enough about me baby.
Tell me something from your heart.
Like am I perfect for you darlin darlin.
Did you know I play guitar?
And I'd sing a thousand love songs
and hold you in my arms each night.
And if you wanted me to play you to sleep girl,
I would do them both at the same time.

Cause I'm not like those other guys
that just hit on you and feed you lines.
But may I say you're looking fine tonight?
Well, I love my mom and you know I cried
when I saw The Notebook seven times.
but if that is not who you desire,
get that out of your mind.
Did I tell you you're looking fine tonight?
Because you are.

Girl I can almost guarantee
that when you look at me you'll see
the kind of man that's in your dreams
and wants to give you everything.
And if I'm moving way too fast,
just let me know, I'll hold it back.
And if you feel it just the same
can I just ask you for your name?

Cause I'm not like those other guys
that just hit on you and feed you lines.
Do you have a map?
Cuz I'm lost in your eyes tonight.

Well, I love my mom and you know I cried
when I saw The Notebook seventeen times.
but if that is not who you desire,
get that out of your mind.
Did I tell you you're looking fine tonight?

A Mirror is Harder to Hold.

You could stay a while longer
We could stay up and talk about last summer
We could go down to the water
Watch the sunset going under
It's not that I'm a stranger to lonely moments
I've had my share of those
Please don't go
Please don't leave me alone
A mirror is so much harder to hold

I could try and point the finger
But the glass points in my direction
Sure you've got your sharp edges
But my wounds are for my own reflection
You've got nothing I could ever hold against you
I've got fatal flaws to call my own
Please don't go
Please don't leave me alone
A mirror is so much harder to hold

I met a man who's looking for perfection
Said he'd never met a girl who's good enough
His eyes are getting old like they'd love to love again
Such a lonely man
Such a lonely man

I see him in my reflection
Taking steps towards me these days
So I hold you that much closer
And pray we don't throw this away
It's not that I'm a man who couldn't love you
I know what these arms are for
Please don't go
Please don't leave me alone
A mirror is so much harder to hold
A mirror is so much harder to hold
Please don't go
Please don't leave me cold
A mirror is so much harder to hold

-Jon Foreman

all you need is LoVe.

A. I love Jim Sturgess.
B. I love the Beatles.
C. All you need is love.

Time in Between.

Time In Between - Francesca Battistelli

You were there when your Father said
Let there be light
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mothers womb
Three days in a borrowed tomb

But it’s the time in between
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me
And all that I can't be
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between

Don't take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again

But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You'll bring
And the things that I can't see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I'll sing in the time in between

So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I'm grateful for them all

But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between

The Civil Wars.

While I was in Nashville last week, I had the opportunity to hit up the Mercy Lounge with Lindsay to see The Civil Wars and Thad Cockrell. I have now become obsessed with The Civil Wars and you can too! Check them out.





Falling is probably my favorite song but all of them are AMAZING! You can download their free live album here. If you have issues downloading the whole album at once (like I did) just click on each song on the cover and it will download them individually. You will want to download this album.. I promise you.

Come save.

This is a song that has been on my heart today. I love the second verse because I think it speaks right to the heart of me lately. I've been focusing on myself so much as of late and on my circumstances. I've been extremely prideful and pointing fingers when I should be looking to God and fully relying on his grace and believing in His sovereignty.

Here's the song lyrics. You are listen to the song here:
http://www.imeem.com/artists/sarah_reeves/music/MJD6mse-/sarah-reeves-come-save/

Time is running out, Come save.
Death is creeping in, Come save.
We humble ourselves and seek your face
Pour out your mercy like rain

Your sons and your daughters cry for you.
The waves of the waters reach for you
And all of creation rises up and screams out your name
Oh, come save

Addicted to our pride, Come save.
Consumed in self delight, come save.
Break us and free us from these chains.
We desperately need your grace

Your sons and your daughters cry for you.
The waves of the waters reach for you
And all of creation rises up and screams out your name
Oh, come awaken us from our sleep
Come bring us to our knees
Come whisper truth in our ears
Come save

Your sons and your daughters cry for you.
The waves of the waters reach for you
And all of creation rises up and screams out your name
Oh, come save

Prayer of Saint Augustine

I went to Trinity Vineyard on Sunday and absolutely LOVED the service. I really like how they fuse scripture and music. I also like that there is a lot of history and taking everything back to biblical times to understand the scriptures and bring the stories to life. I also like that the songs they sing aren't anything that I'm used to. They do some hymns, which I love, but they also do some songs that I've never heard before. Here's a song that we did that I can't get out of my head called "Prayer of Saint Augustine"-

Breathe in me O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy
Act in me O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy
Draw my heart O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Amen.

"Make Me Over" byt Natalie Grant

For some reason, this song has been on my heart lately. I really like some parts of it are speaking right to my heart (like the whole first verse!) and it's shaking me to the core. Not to mention- Natalie has an extremely powerful voice. Listen to it here:
http://www.imeem.com/uniquris/music/Z8uRkOga/natalie-grant-make-me-over/

I've been silent instead of speaking up
gave my advice instead of giving love
I have been unfair, faithless and unkind
I have shut my eyes just so I would stay blind
It's not what I meant to do
'Cause I wanna honor you

Make me over, make me new
Make me a mirror, a reflection of you
Take me all apart
Take me to your heart and pull me closer
Oh, Jesus, make me over

Take away the pride that whispers in the dark
Take the stone out of the middle of my heart
Hidden underneath my insecurities
Is the servant that you've destined me to be
But day after precious day
I get in my own way

Make me over, Make me new
Make me a mirror, a relection of you
Take me all apart
Take me to your heart and pull me closer
Sweet Savior, Make me over

I am only made of your imagining
I'm dust and clay on the wind
Wash me in the river of your sacrifice
Until I'm changed, purified

Take me all apart
Take me to your heart and pull me closer
My Jesus, Make me over
Make me over