This particular youtube clip has been circulating the blog scene, so I thought I would join the crowd! Watching this made me think about my own life. No, not about being famous or anything else but something different. See if it speaks to you. And yes, I cried. Who wouldn't?

Labels: dreams, music

It's been a great day. A HAPPY day! Boy did I need a day like this. It's hard to believe that a day could be so great when your four year old gets FIVE shots and your five month old gets three shots. But through it all, with the the help of a friend, it was success. (Thank you Gina.You have filled me up more than you could ever imagine and you have been a healing balm in a way you could never understand. Don't ever wonder if God is using you, because He is. I will have to share with you HOW He has used you today.)

This afternoon I had a certain song in my head that I could not quit singing. I had heard the song only once until now. We were at church with my parents several months ago and there was a girl there that the pastor introduced as an up and coming Christian artist. I remember seeing her in the congregation before I knew she was a singer. She was beautiful and had a smile that lit up the entire sanctuary. When I found out she was on the gotee record label, I was a little jealous. :) Anyway, when she started singing this song, I got tears in my eyes. I don't think anyone else was crying but there was a line in the song that brought so much joy to my heart. I wanted to add this song to my iPod but I could not remember her name or the name of the song. I just knew she was on the gotee record label. So I looked up gotee records and found her! AYIESHA WOODS is her name and the song is called Happy.

Click on the myspace link I have below and you can listen!

This song has meaning for me in many ways and what was going on in my life back when I first heard it has now passed but it helped me then get through something and today it has done the same. HE is always making beauty out of my mess! Constantly.

Enjoy!

Happy (click here)

Labels: friends, music, prayers answered

*forgot one that I recently added* So I added one more at the bottom!

I'm pretty worn out right now. When it comes to me typing out a meaningful blog, nothing comes. So I thought I would share some favorites on my Ipod right now! Music is my hobby so any spare time I get (HA!) is spent listening to music.

Lovesong by The Cure

When The Stars Go Blue by Tim McGraw

Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5

2 The Sky by Robin Thicke

Leave The Pieces by The Wreckers

Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds (Makes me want to watch Breakfast Club! My favorite!)

Southbound 35 by Pat Green

Leaving for Paris No. 2 by Rufus Wainwright

Who Knew by Pink

Touch by Seal

Take On Me by A-ha (I can still see this video in my head!)

Drifting by Bebo Norman

Like A Star by Corinne Bailey Rae

It's Not Over by Daughtry

Colored People by DC Talk

Money For Nothing by Dire Straits (Reminds me of my MTV days as an elementary kid)

Big Love by Fleetwood Mac

Sentimental Journey by Doris Day (HA!)

Something About You by Level 42

Me and Charlie Talking by Miranda Lambert

Wonderwall by Oasis

P.S. Blake Lewis sang the first four songs on the list on AI. Now you know why I love him!

Labels: music, my passion

There is something so powerful about music. I have written about this before but I feel like writing it again. Music just gets me to that place I need to be. It's so much a part of me that I truly can't get through the day without. Yes, it's my dream to be a worship leader. I don't really do very well with all the fluffy words in between. You know how a lot of worship leaders say all kinds of stuff while they are leading?? I mean I can pray and I can talk but, the fluff in between is what scares me. I don't play a musical instrument. I did take guitar lessons for a few months but someone borrowed my guitar and I never got it back. It was a beautiful, Martin guitar. My parents got it for me when I graduated from High School since I was moving to Nashville to be famous. Oh right! I did not move to Nashville and I did not become famous! :) Anyway, I have really been wanting to start trying to play the guitar again. We shall see. But I have been wondering how I could ever lead worship and not play an instrument and then I think of my friend Tiffany that led without an instrument. She held a microphone, sang and led! I know how to communicate music and as long as I am worshipping, I think I could lead others in the same direction. When it comes to a band, I know how to tell a drummer what I need or a guitar player what I need. So yes, maybe I could do it. Only, there's one other problem. Confidence.

Sure I can sing in front of a million people and be fine but, being the main man, I mean the main gal, that scares me. I've lead worship before by filling in when someone is away and I have led at very small churches but thinking about leading makes my heart flutter. Thinking about this has really made me realize how NOT confident I really am. I think I am, but I am not. Maybe that's good because it would be ALL God doing it through me. You know? There are many reasons why I lack confidence and that's what I have to work through.

For now I am trying to figure out how I can get a few coffee shop gigs or something like that. Today I realized that when I am singing or worshiping, I feel like I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. Music truly brings everything together for me. At heart, I am an entertainer. Even now, when I am singing to my kids or singing in the car or singing in the middle of my kitchen like I did today, I envision a crowd. Seriously. Today I was in the middle of my kitchen singing at the top of my lungs a Sixpence None The Richer song called, Trust In The Lord and I saw a crowd. It's weird. I don't know why, I just do. And I was still worshipping. I pray that God is preparing me to use my gift again. I pray it is soon. I pray that I get to sing in coffee shops and maybe make a CD. I don't wish to be famous, I wish to be used.

All of that to say that the song I have posted below is a song I would like sing at our church or have a guy sing because I don't know if this song could be arranged for a girl or not. Some may think it's a little much for church, I don't. This song tonight was a song I found myself worshipping to. I'm not sure I could be a worship leader that only sings Christian music. Switchfoot is a crossover band so I wouldn't say they are a secular band but there is a lot of music out there that has a powerful message that could speak to us. But, this is a girl that sang Pat Bentar's, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" during a church service on marriage! :)

This song is called, MEANT TO LIVE. The line that got me was, "We want more than this world’s got to offer". Thanks for reading my rambles and listening to the songs I love! Now click below and listen to MEANT TO LIVE!



Fumbling his confidence
And wondering why the world has passed him by
Hoping that he’s bent for more than arguments
And failed attempts to fly, fly

We were meant to live for so much more
Have we lost ourselves?
Somewhere we live inside
Somewhere we live inside
We were meant to live for so much more
Have we lost ourselves?
Somewhere we live inside

Dreaming about Providence
And whether mice or men have second tries
Maybe we’ve been livin with our eyes half open
Maybe we’re bent and broken, broken

We were meant to live for so much more
Have we lost ourselves?
Somewhere we live inside
Somewhere we live inside
We were meant to live for so much more
Have we lost ourselves?
Somewhere we live inside

We want more than this world’s got to offer
We want more than this world’s got to offer
We want more than the wars of our fathers
And everything inside screams for second life yeah

We were meant to live for so much more
Have we lost ourselves?

Labels: music, music to my ears, worship

I have ALL of David Crowder's music on my iPod and in the car!

There is a reason why I love this song so much and a reason why I love the video even more. Why? Well, I will tell you in just a minute.

I thought of this song tonight after a long conversation on the phone with a friend. Lately we have had some pretty deep conversations about the Bible, worship, lifestyle and so much more. I really enjoy our talks because it makes me really think about things. She asked me a question about something that has really had me thinking. I am praying that how I answered her made sense. No, I am not going to tell you what the question was. :) Anyway, I thought of this song because I truly want to reflect Jesus in all that I do. I REALLY do. Unfortunately, I don't. I fall short just about every single day and always will. But I pray that how I live my life will be an inspiration to others. I pray that people will know what I stand for and understand who I am. At times I may look like a fool but I truly hope I can be this guy in the video singing at the top of his lungs, in the middle of the city and not give a flip if anyone thinks I am crazy or not. Hopefully, I will at least be on key! But if not, oh well.

If you watch the video you will see what I am talking about. It's funny because I am notorious for walking around the house with my iPod on and singing to the top of my lungs. It's one of my favorite things to do and the kids don't seem to mind it! So I kind of see myself in this video. God is busy, busy in my life right now and I am loving what He is teaching me. The benefits of Him are endless.

Lord Jesus, make me a minister. Father, help me to show you in all that I do.

Isaiah 61

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.[a]
2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,[b]
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
3 To all who mourn in Israel,[c]
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins,
repairing cities destroyed long ago.
They will revive them,
though they have been deserted for many generations.
5 Foreigners will be your servants.
They will feed your flocks
and plow your fields
and tend your vineyards.
6 You will be called priests of the Lord,
ministers of our God.
You will feed on the treasures of the nations
and boast in their riches.
7 Instead of shame and dishonor,
you will enjoy a double share of honor.
You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.

8 “For I, the Lord, love justice.
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be recognized
and honored among the nations.
Everyone will realize that they are a people
the Lord has blessed.”

10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit
or a bride with her jewels.
11 The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world.
Everyone will praise him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
with plants springing up everywhere.

Labels: music, worship

Well, I spent most of the afternoon at something called "CPD", also known as Church Planter Development. I have been to a couple of them before. One was with our old church that was also a church plant and the other was when we came here for our initial visit to Austin. There is a lot of information to take in and a lot of processing to go through once you leave and for me I would say a lot of wrestling as well. But this is why we are here, this is the stuff we love and to be a part of it is amazing. I know there will be many more blogs I write just about this journey we are on as we help plant a church. Our leader is awesome! We trust him, we love his vision and we appreciate his heart. Today was fun! Even though it was filled with a lot of information, it was enjoyable. These people are our family. It's a family we have chosen and that makes it even more incredible. We all live down the road from one another and I have already learned that we are all here to help one another since none of us have family here. I can't even begin to tell you how cool it is to be a part of something brand new, to be present for the actual birth! The bond we will share during this process will be unbelievable.

Everyone asks, "Where do y'all meet?" Well, we don't have a Sunday service yet. Jeremy and I are so glad that our Church Planter/Leader/Pastor is not spending all of his time trying to get a building, trying to find a school to have service, trying to buy a sound system (which this is usually the first thing a new church does). Instead, we are reaching out to the community first. So since we don't have Sunday service, everyone usually goes to service twice a month. One Sunday is spent at Mitch's church (Kyle's coach and our CPD trainer) and another Sunday is spent at a local sponsor church which happens to be in our neighborhood. The other Sundays are spent with one another. Tomorrow was not a scheduled church day but now it is.

During CPD today, Mitch asked if I would be available to sing at his church tomorrow. For some reason all of the female singers are not able to be there tomorrow. I was kind of shocked when he asked. First of all, he has never heard me sing! Second of all, I have not sang in a corporate worship setting in almost two years! As soon as he asked me, my heart started pounding and I did not know what to say but I saw my friend Erika's head turn quickly towards me to see what I was going to say. When I looked at her she had a HUGE smile on her face and at that moment I felt like saying yes! And I did. I said yes.

So Resonate Community will all be going to church tomorrow! I am so glad they will be there. They are my family and I need them.

God is pretty cool, He really is. And that's all I've got to say tonight folks. I am singing six songs, all but two I do not know. But thank goodness I can hide behind harmonizing and an add lib here and there! Also, there is a TELEPROMPTER!!! :)

Tonight I am going to bed with a big smile on my face. It's great to have friends and it's great to be in the CENTER of God's will and KNOW IT! Does that make sense? Well, most of you know what I mean!

It's been a long process to get to this place. I am so excited to finally be through a lot of the crap we have gone through to get here!

Labels: a new beginning, a new chapter, music, prayers answered, the journey to RC

Here's what's on my iPod today! It could change tomorrow. But this is what I have been listening to tonight while everyone is sleeping. :) I just can't sleep.

"Easy Silence" by the Dixie Chicks
Yes, I have forgiven them and you should too. Come on people!

"Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley
This song is fabulous! I love it!

"Coming Home" by John Legend
When I saw the special on TV about Bob Woodruff, it really opened my eyes to what is going on in this world. I am not anti war, but this song makes me think of all the mommies with babies in Iraq. This song reminds me of the things I don't think about enough. Do we really understand how many caskets are being unloaded every single day covered with the American Flag? I don't think we do. And John Legend is one of my favorite singers. He is one of the most gifted musicians out there.

"Pieces of April" by Three Dog Night
When I was a teenager my Dad used to play this song for me all the time. He said it was his song to me. I was born in April! Listening to this song makes me feel special. It means the world to me.

"Treasure" by Desperation Band
One of my best friends in the whole world, Tiffany, called me a few days ago to tell me this song was something I needed to listen to. She said when she listens to it, she thinks of where I am at in my life. It's been a great song for me to worship to and it means so much because Tiffany knows everything God is doing in my life right now. I love you Tiff!

"Over It" Katharine McPhee
Well, I did not vote for her on AI last year. I was a Taylor fan! But this girl's voice is unbelievable and I love this song!

"My Idea of Heaven" by Leigh Nash
Leigh Nash is one of my favorite singers and I have gotten to sing some of her stuff a couple of times. This song is my song to Jeremy. Well, one of them. I really am living "My Idea of Heaven". And you can go to http://www.youtube.com/ and see this video. I love it!

"Burn For You" Toby Mac
It's Toby Mac! Need I say more?

"It's Not Over" by Daughtry
Love, love, love Daughtry!! I did vote for him on AI!

"Irreplaceable" by Beyonce
What can I say? I love Beyonce. She makes me smile and she makes me want to dance and I love to dance! This song is something I turn up really loud when I am in the car by myself.
"To the left, to the left!"

"Public Affair" by Jessica Simpson
Hey, don't laugh! I grew up roller skating and this song makes me want to roller skate with leg warmers and a whole bunch of lip gloss! And if I were skating with a guy, he would have on parachute pants! Ava Beth LOVES this song too!

"Glamorous" by Fergie
I don't think this song is bad. I don't think it is. Well, it does have the word hell in it. I noticed on my download it has the word clean next to it which means there must be another version. I loved to feel glamorous so I think I just like the song because they mention shoes! :)

"Drifting" by Bebo Norman
This song has some meaning for me. I don't really want to explain but it's a song that spoke to me at just the right time.

"Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns
I have an aunt that has leukemia and this song makes me think of her. She is an amazing woman and I told her last week that this was her song.

"Broken" by Seether and Amy Lee
I sang this song with a good friend who was also my worship pastor. I have this song on my iPod because it means a lot to me. It reminds me of a good time in my life, a good season and I miss it.

"Like Red on a Rose" by Alan Jackson
Jeremy says this is his song to me. I cry every time I hear it.

"Everlasting God" by Chris Tomlin
This song has been my theme song for several months now. I feel like I have been waiting on the Lord for clarification, healing and ministry opportunities. Strength arises as I wait upon the Lord! I love to worship to this song.

"How To Save A Life" by The Fray
Most of you will know why I love this song.

"Come Clean" by Hilary Duff
Another song that I found meaning in during a tough time. It's nice to jam out in the car when music speaks for you!

"Never Give Up On Me" by Josh Bates
I feel like I have had some people in my life that have given up on me. Some that have not believed in me or saw my value. This song reminds me of how much my Heavenly Father loves me and how he will never give up on me. He believes in me.

"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol
Love the words, love the music, love this song!

"Making Memories Of Us" by Keith Urban
Growing up was hard. I never knew I could have the life I have today. Jeremy has changed me life. He has brought so much healing to my broken heart and difficult past. The first time I knew I loved Jeremy, we were country dancing at Cowboys in Arlington. This song wasn't out back then but this song reminds me of that night. Oh how I love that boy!

"Take Me Higher" by Lincoln Brewster
This is one of my favorite worship songs and it brings back great memories of singing on a praise team with people I truly loved.

"Completely" by Ana Laura
This song has become my prayer. It's on the Facing the Giants soundtrack.

"My Glorious" by Newsong
Newsong has got to be the most talented Christian band ever! They are amazing in concert! And this song rocks!

"Angel" by Robin Thicke
The only thing I can say about this song is WOW! It is the most romantic song I have ever heard in my life.

"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield
I forgot about my two Natasha songs. So I am adding them to my list. This song was my favorite song last Summer.

"These Words" by Natasha Bedingfield
When this song first came out, the video was on MTV all the time. I liked the video and liked the song. It's fun to sing along to a song that you know every single word to and this is one I like a lot!

Labels: music