On my heart.

"My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles."

Psalm 34:4-6 NIV(emphasis mine)

We serve an amazing God. Not just some "pie in the sky" god, the GOD. The God who created the universe and created us in His image. The same God who sent his Son to die for every single one of us on the cross.

Listening to Hillsong United (Aftermath) last night this song caught my attention, it's title is "Take Heart". Here are a few of the lyrics:

So take heart. Let His love lead us through the night. Hold on to hope. And take courage again.
....He wears the scars of our freedom. In His name. All our fears are swept away. He never fails. All our troubles. And all our tears. God our hope. He has overcome. All our failure. And all our fear. God our love. He has overcome. All our heartache. And all our pain. God our Healer. He has overcome. All our burdens. All our shame. God our freedom.
He has overcome.

(These are only a portion of the lyrics, if you get a chance pick up the cd or download it off itunes, you will not be disappointed.)

Jesus is all of these things and more. But most of all, He wants a relationship with you. Not just to give you a list of rules and regulations, but to love you. Yes, it requires a change in your heart and it will require you to lay down your "rights" and desires. But His are so much better, so much more fulfilling, so perfectly made for you. Get to know Him.

"But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you've let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you've started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in His freedom!"

Romans 6:17-18(The Message)

The concert.

Here are a few images from last week's Chris Tomlin concert.









It was an amazing night of praise and worship with a fantastic message from Louie Giglio. One of the best surprises for me was seeing Christy Nockels up on stage singing with Chris Tomlin(even leading a couple of the songs). She has always been one of my favorite singers/songwriters and I'm pretty sure I own every Watermark album ever made. Randy really enjoyed the opening band, Rend Collective. They're fun, they're folksy, they're Irish, and they play really cool instruments (ukulele, anyone?).....check them out on itunes.

Thanks again for the AWESOME tickets Paula!!!

You have got to check these guys out!

The last couple of weeks, Ashlynn has been memorizing The Lord's Prayer. Ofcourse, memorizing is always way easier when you put words to music.

Enter The City Harmonic.



They just happen to have one of the coolest sounding songs on the radio right now that includes The Lord's Prayer. So, here is your assignment:

1. If you have not heard them yet, go to itunes immediately and listen to their song titled "Manifesto".
2. Listen to all of their other songs.
3. Download their entire album.
4. Listen to it over and over again.
5. Enjoy.
6. Seriously, go do it right now. Now.
   

Some good tunes.

Aside from the classic Perry Como, Nat King Cole and Dean Martin, this has become my favorite Christmas CD this year! There are some amazing tracks including a blues/jazz version of What Child is This?, a song they wrote that I might listen to all year long (Hallelujah-Light has Come), and many other classic Christmas songs they arranged beautifully! If you especially like singing along, this is a must, you can join in with the harmonies :-).Check it out!

Some good tunes we're lovin' right now:

Ashlynn and I are crazy about this album. Our favorite is track 6, but 5,9,10,11 and 12 are awesome as well. Ok, so the whole thing is awesome. If you're a fan of Hillsong United you'll recognize her voice (think Hosanna) and will thoroughly enjoy her solo debut!

The Final Countdown...

The title is in reference to two things. Yes, one being the song itself. This summer I made (with Paula's assistance) two '80s CDs to listen to as we drove to the cabin. In a slip of judgement, I called Randy at work to see if there were any songs he wanted me to download. Yep, you guessed it, among other tunes: Prince, Morrissey and Young MC, my sweet husband requested Europe's "The Final Countdown".

The scary thing: it's Ashlynn and Ryder's favorite song! If you call my house, you will probably hear one of them singing the tune in the background and every time they ride in Randy's truck, it is their first request. Lord. Help. Me.


The other reference is to our festivals. They are biting at our heels and will be here too soon. Mom and I will surely be burning the midnight oil in the next week, sure hope we are making what people are looking for. Otherwise, I know a couple of people taking a fancy cooking class and they definitely need a couple or twenty aprons.

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!