A Break From Jerusalem

I know I haven't been doing my Free on Friday segment lately. The last time I tried to find free stuff, there wasn't too much to choose from and I ran out of time.

I just came across this. Newsong is one of my favorite bands and just found out that they are giving away a free copy of their album.

Click here for details.

Stay tuned...more Jerusalem on the way, I promise!

A New Blog

I want to proudly introduce a new blog.

My DSH's All About Music

My DSH's love for music is very evident in his blog. You will get to know lots of different styles of music through it. I may even have to move my Singing Sunday posts over there.

Enjoy, everyone!

Singing Sunday

After a few weeks of being on break, Singing Sunday has returned!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Thankful Heart - [hi-fi] [lo-fi]

Today's song is Thankful Heart by Petra. You can listen to it by clicking above.

This song has been on my heart for the last few days. I am a complainer by nature. I don't complain intentionally, it just happens. This song is making me ask myself "How thankful am I?" Am I thankful in ALL things? When I don't feel like being thankful, Am I?

Charles Stanley (Giving thanks in all Things) puts it this way...

Thankfulness... 1. Constantly reminds us that God is always with us. His presence becomes more and more real to us. 2. Encourages us to search for God's purpose even in the midst of our pain. 3. Helps us submit our human will to God's divine will so we have a change of attitude. 4. Reminds us how helpless we are without God in every situation so that our weakness can become His strength. 5. Forms a stronger trust in God in our heart's while we are walking through the valley of dark circumstances. 6. Lends a key to finding joy -that means peace and contentment, not giddiness. 7. Makes a powerful impact on others when they see us triumphing over very difficult situations. 8. Directs our thoughts back to God instead of on ourselves or our situation. 9. Gives us new spiritual energy, like getting our batteries recharged. Removes anxiety and replaces it with indescribable peace.

As you go through your day today, ask Jesus to help you be thankful.

Mark your Calendars

I have a date you don't want to miss!

Wednesday September 5th, 7PM at the youth building of Christ Community Church.

Benjamin Dunn is leading worship for the night. If you have never seen him before, you should come. He is so anointed for worship and preaching. You will be ushered into the presence of God like never before in a youth oriented way.

You can preview his music by clicking on his name above and then the online store. Last time he was here though, it was nothing like the CD. It was even better.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Oh, by the way, my DSH is playing drums. (Just another bonus to get you to come.)

Singing Sunday

Today's song is by an artist I have never heard of before the other day. I heard this song and I have been singing it ever since. It is very catchy. It's such a great song to sing and shout and dance to. This album is definitely on my I want to buy soon list.

The artist is Steve Fee. He is from Georgia and gives a fresh approach to worship.

Let's make this song the anthem of our lives. We are free! We shine the light of Jesus whether we want to or not! We worship the king with everything we are! Sin is defeated!

The song should play automatically when the page loads.

We Shine by Steve Fee

We shine, we shine the light of God
And when we speak, we speak with words of Love
And when we dance, we may get a little wild
Cause we’re the people of God, yeah the people of God
And when we sing, we sing the angel songs
The worlds been singing around the throne
Yeah, yeah, we’ll worship the King with everything that we are
Cause we’re the people of God, yeah the people of God, yeah

And now is the time for the people to rise
Lift up a shout, everybody cry out
Raise your voice, and shout out a noise
Dance the dance of joy!

We are the redeemed
We are the ones who are free
And we belong to Jesus
We are now alive
And in this world we will shine
And we belong to Jesus

And where the spirit of God is freedom rings
And come, come on, throw off your prison chains
We’re liberated by a King, only freedom remains
For the people of God, yeah the people of God, yeah yeah
We’re living in a Kingdom that will never end
We’re living in a power of defeated sin
So come on everybody, let’s praise the King
Jesus is alive, and he’s coming again!

And now is the time for the people to rise
Lift up a shout, everybody cry out
Raise your voice, and shout out a noise
Dance the dance of joy!

We are the redeemed
We are the ones who are free
And we belong to Jesus
We are now alive
And in this world we will shine
And we belong to Jesus

We’re going into to all the world
We’re carrying the light of Jesus
And we shine, we shine
In the darkest place, we shine

Yeah, we’re going into all the world
We’re carrying the light of Jesus
And we shine, we shine
In the darkest place, we shine

And now is the time for the people to rise
Lift up a shout, everybody cry out
Raise your voice, and shout out a noise
Dance the dance of joy!

We are the redeemed
We are the ones who are free
And we belong to Jesus
We are now alive
And in this world we will shine
And we belong to Jesus

Come on, come on
The Kingdom is coming
Come on, come on
The Kingdom is coming
Come on, come on, come on
Let the Kingdom come down

Singing Sunday

Today's song has been going through my head all day yesterday. It is performed by Russ Taff along with the Bill Gaither Band.

I chose this song because it talks about the unsaved turning their hearts to Jesus. When I first started singing this song on Friday, I thought of the guys outside paving my street. None of them know who Jesus is. And I need to be praying for them.

Every one of us has someone who doesn't know who Jesus is. Take a few minutes today to ask God for their lives. Also ask God how you can be used by Him to bring people to Him.

I believe one day there will be a big party for all of my loved ones when they come to know Jesus.

If you are not familiar with the song, you can listen to it below the lyrics.

Trumpet of Jesus by Russ Taff

I listen to the Trumpet of Jesus
While the world hears a different sound
I march to the trumpet of God Almighty
While the others just wander around
I'm a member of the Holy Ghost traveling band
We're moving on up to a better land
I hear the voice of a Supernatural Savior
Like only those who know Him can

One sweet sound makes
A whole world of difference
When the world seems indifferent to you
His Melody of love calls you to be great
when mere content was all you thought you could be
So if you've been playin' all your days by ear
Never knowin' what your song was to be
Then pull up a chair, let down your hair
And take a few lessons from me

A spiritual fanfare has a sound all it's own
At the birth of a lasting song
It's been two thousand years since Jesus was born
And still the celebration goes on
If you feel the need to get your life in tune
'Cause you're tired of the drudge every day
Then turn yourself around,
Put your feet on the ground
and just hear what I have to say

Singing Sunday

Today is a special Singing Sunday edition for us. Today marks our 12th year wedding anniversary. To celebrate, we broke out our wedding video and are showing you the song that we sang to each other during our wedding.

After watching you will know why you shouldn't store your video tapes in the attic. That being said, the quality of the video is horrific but at least the sound is good. I really just wanted the sound anyway but because I couldn't figure out how to put my own song on the blog I had to do it this way.

Here are the lyrics...

WHAT A WONDER YOU ARE by Phil Keaggy

Love, you have truly won my heart today,
Love, I am by your side and here I'll stay.
As we leave our lives behind and enter anew
A place where we two can now rise,
Take hold of the morning.

Love and devotion walking hand in hand,
More than emotion this is in His plan.
I'm amazed at how He's placed you in my life.
There was a time when my eyes
Couldn't face the morning.

Honey, I'm thankful cause you loved me.
Darlin', I'm thankful cause you needed me.
Oh, what a wonder, oh, what a wonder you are,
Now we are under the everlasting arms.
The everlasting arms.

Love is a lady living for her man.
Love is a man who really understands.
As we leave our lives behind and enter anew
A place where we two can now rise,
Take hold of the morning.

Honey, I'm thankful cause you loved me.
Darlin', I'm thankful cause you needed me.
Oh, what a wonder, oh, what a wonder you are,
Now we are under the everlasting arms.
The everlasting arms.

We started the video with the love verses from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. It is amazing what true love does. I have not arrived there yet. It doesn't seem possible for any human to attain this type of love, only Jesus can truly demonstrate this love. When you are up there getting married its a wonder that people don't turn and run because loving like that doesn't seem to be attainable.

While you go through your day today, ponder those verses. Do you REALLY love others?

Singing Sunday

In the spring, I love to sleep with the windows open. In fact I pretty much have the windows open 24/7 throughout the spring. The other morning, we awoke at 5:15 to the pitter patter of raindrops hitting our trampoline ( that sits right outside our bedroom window). The shower didn't last too long and after, all was not quiet.

I have been noticing over the last few weeks that after the rain, the birds are out in full force singing their hearts away. After the rain shower at 5:15 AM, I was laying in bed pondering this fact.

This is what I felt the Lord was telling me. First of all, the sound of rain itself is very soothing. The sound of rain calms our hearts. And the birds sing so much after the rain because the rain brings refreshing, comfort, and food. Rain brings the worms to the surface of the ground. Rain refreshes dry land. Rain brings insects to flowers. Rain also washes the birds, it takes away the dirt and grime covering them. Spiritual rain does the same things for us. It soothes. It comforts. It refreshes. It brings us food. It cleanses.

Next time it rains, listen for the change in the way the birds sing.

Lord, I ask that you would send Your spiritual rain to refresh our lives. Let it comfort our hearts. Let it refresh our spirits. Let it bring a peace to our hearts. Let it wash away all of the dirt and grime that fills up our lives. Let it clear our minds so we can focus on Your Word.

Singing Sunday

Today's song was just burning in me during worship practice this morning. Today being communion Sunday, the focus of the service was on how Jesus died for our sins. He sacrificed Himself for ME! That thought is just unfathomable to me. If I was the only person on Earth, he would have died, for ME! Doesn't that just blow your mind? To be totally honest, I don't know if I would be able to sacrifice myself for my family, let alone someone who I don't know. I always knew that He sacrificed Himself for me but this morning it hit home. I ended up just crying out my thanks to the Lord. I am so undeserving of His great love.

I long for that kind of compassionate, unending love in my life. I am working on being able to show that kind of love to others.

This song is an oldie but a goodie. The only music for it that I could find is a midi file so it doesn't sound the best, but it still gives you the idea of what the song sounds like. Click on the title to hear the midi.

Oh How He Loves You and Me
Words and Music by Kurt Kaiser

Oh, how He loves you and me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could He give;
Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

Jesus to Calv'ry did go,
His love for mankind to show.
What He did there brought hope from despair.
Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
Oh how He loves you and me.

Oh, how He loves you and me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could He give;
Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

Singing Sunday

Today's group is Tree63. I have been listening to them a lot over this past week and the songs are deep and worshipful. I tried to pick just one but it was really, really hard. So I decided to highlight the band instead.

The band is originally from South Africa. They named the band because they were standing under a tree when they were trying to think of a name. The 63 is from Psalms 63.

Like any other band they have had some good times and bad times. They use those times when writing the lyrics to their songs.

I hope you enjoy this band as much as I do.

The Recording

My DSH had a recording session with some members of The Burning State on Tuesday night while I was at the MIA coffeehouse. Here's what I found when the kids & I got home.

Holy God (song story)

Here's the story behind the song.

Singing Sunday

This week's song is one that we have been singing over the last few weeks at church. It is performed by Brian Doerksen. My favorite line is "romancing, pursuing". Just think, the God of the universe is romancing us! That just blows me away. When I think of being romanced, I think of getting flowers, going on dates, etc. Whenever I look outside and see the beautiful creation, I feel romanced by God. Whenever I spend time with Him, I feel romanced by God.

As you go through your day, let God romance you.

Holy God

Holy Holy Holy God
Holy Holy Holy God

Creating
Commanding
Transcendent Adonai

Defending love
Destroying sin
The warrior divine

Holy Holy Holy God
Holy Holy Holy God

Forgiving
Redeeming
From every tribe and tongue

Arising first
The nail scarred Lamb
Salvation’s champion

Holy Holy Holy God
Holy Holy Holy God

Romancing
Pursuing
Reclaiming to restore

Releasing hearts
Transforming lives
The Lion’s mighty roar

words and music by Brian Doerksen
© 2006 Integrity's Hosanna! Music/ASCAP and Shining Rose Songs (adm by Integrity's Hosanna! Music)/ASCAP

Singing Sunday

Today's song is "I Will Rejoice" performed by Rita Springer.
To listen, click here then on # 5

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of our God (4x)

I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad (2x)

There is a fountain full of grace and it flows from Emmanuel’s veins
It came and it healed me
It came and refreshed me
And it came and it washed my sins away

For the past few weeks, I have been asking the Lord to show me what songs mean. I don't want to just sing the words. I want to understand what I am singing about.

At the conference last weekend, we sang this song and the Lord so faithfully gave me a picture. Here it is...

I was standing in a fountain and the Lord was splashing me with water. So I splashed Him back. This wild splashing went on for a while and I felt that He told me that this song is made so that we could have fun together.

Later in our worship time we sang the song "Running" by CFNI. There is a line in that song that says, "leaving everything behind". When we sang that line I was again in the fountain with the Lord only this time, He took my hand and I stepped out onto the bank. Then He told me that the splashing wasn't just having fun, but it was taking care of business too. He told me He was washing me clean as we were playing in the water. So I was a new woman when I stepped out of the fountain. In the water I left my harshness, jugdementalism, criticism, selfishness, pride, anger, my hard heart, sarcasm, and stress.

Thank you Lord for meeting me in such a personal way. You are truly an awesome God!

If anyone is interested Rita Springer is coming to Christ Community Church on July 25, 2007

Singing Sunday

Today’s song is contributed by my DSH.

This Living Sacrifice song deals with why lots of people can’t get to the next level in their spiritual walk. It talks about the little lies that Satan subtly puts in our minds…we aren’t good enough, we don’t belong, someone else can do it, it’s not my calling. But, by the Authority of God we can break the power of the enemy’s lies and walk in the fullness of everything that God has for us.

Reject

I set my self up
I've no one to blame but my
Self pity is useless
I'll not entertain your sickness,
Sickness
Half truths, deceit, forced in,
Not God, reject
Reject all lies
Rebuke take hold
Intrepid Spirit of God
Rebuke take hold
Authority of God
Reject all lies

Living Sacrifice Reborn (1997)

Click to see the Video

The style of music may not be for everyone, but I feel that the Kingdom needs ALL music styles to reach lost souls. For example, before I got saved, I hung out with the “wild” crowd (as some would call it). When I asked Jesus into my life, if there was only Sandi Patty to listen to, my christian walk would have been extremely hard.

To sum up my feelings on this subject I’ll quote Don Fransisco, “Just ‘cuz you don’t like it, doesn’t mean it’s a sin.” (Freedom to Move)

Singing Sunday - Promises

All week I have been debating on what song to post for today. After prayer time last night this song was confirmed. oH mY wORD, this one is for you!

Has the Lord ever promised you something? He has told me that I would again walk more deeply in Spiritual things, but right now my job is to focus on raising my kids in the path that they should go. Before kids, I used to have all kinds of words and visions for people but when I had kids, the Lord had placed that on the back burner for a while. But I didn't even realize it. I thought it was something that I did (not having enough quiet time, not worshiping "right", not praying enough). God, in his perfect way, told me that I am exactly where He wants and needs me to be right at this moment and i will again walk in Spiritual things.

My question for you today is: What promises has God told you? (If you cant find any, look in the Bible, it's filled with them). Post your promise in the comment section, I would love to be encouraged by them.

I have been listening to today's song for the last couple days. It is just an awesome song that talks about God keeping his promises. We are the ones that breaks the promise, not God.

The song is by The Desperation Band, one of my all time favorite worship bands. All of their Cd's are great and i encourage you to get some of them. When I listen to them, I can really feel the presence of God flowing through the music. Their newest Cd is a Live album "New Life Worship My Savior Lives" To hear a sample click here then on #3

Promises

All of Your promises won’t let go of me

(All of Your promises won’t let go of me)

I’ve surrendered my life to Your ways

I have learned what it means to obey

Jesus my heart has been changed by You

I am walking the path you have made

I am seeking the truth every day

Jesus my heart has been changed by You

I couldn’t walk away if I tried

‘Cause Your love is better than life

The sun’s shining bright and it just won’t set

‘Cause Your love is alive and it lights my step

My heart is amazed everyday to the next

Your joy overtakes and I can’t forget about it

Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh

I can’t forget about it

Singing Sunday

I thought I would do a very true fun song for today. So, think about the words while you read. This song always puts my life back in perspective. To Listen to a small clip of it, click here then click on listen #8.

Newsong is one of my favorites groups and in 1997 they released a song called:

Start All Over On Mars

Sometimes I wonder how You could ever love us
We're never satisfied no matter what you do
You send the rain and we complain there's no sunshine
Yet every breath we take is all because of you

Only Heaven knows the pain I've put you through
I don't know what you're thinking Lord
But I know what I would do

I'd start all over on Mars
Create a world that is far away from our ungratefulness.
If I were the God that you are I would be tempted to walk away
Wash my hands of this crazy mess
Make a world that would follow your heart
I'd start all over on Mars.

How often are we ungrateful for the things we have? How often do we want what others have? How often do we complain about the weather? How often do we complain about our situations? How often do we complain about our family?

So, on this Easter Sunday, Let's take some time to think about Everything God does for us and thank Him!

Singing Sunday

This week's song is by Twila Paris. It's called "Do I Trust You" and is off of the Warrior is a Child CD.

Sometimes my little heart can't understand
What's in Your will, what's in Your plan.
So many times I'm tempted to ask You why,
But I can never forget it for long.
Lord, what You do could not be wrong.
So I believe You, even when I must cry.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the river flow?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?

I will trust You, Lord, when I don't know why.
I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die.
I will trust You, Lord, when I'm blind with pain!
You were God before, and You'll never change.
I will trust You.
I will trust You.
I will trust You, Lord.
I will trust You.

So often life throws situations at us that we are totally unprepared for. My SDH & I are walking through one right now. This song came on the iPod a few days ago and I have been meditating on the words. No matter what we are walking through, God knows all about it and WILL take care of us. I am choosing to trust the Lord because He is GOD now, He was GOD before and He will always be GOD! And, God is much BIGGER than us!

Singing Sunday

A couple days ago while I was painting our bedroom, I had the iPod on shuffle. Usually the iPod isn't to friendly with me and it plays all the songs that my dear sweet husband loves. But for some reason the iPod was playing great stuff. One of the songs it played was "Feel It All" by Margaret Becker. Here are the words...

I think I heard Your voice floating on the evening wind
And felt You near again in the touch of a friend
this life as it should be. This is life complete,
Cracking the surface of every breath and finding You there in the center of it

In the beauty of the morning
In the rhythm of the rain
In the symphony of laughter as it plays across a face
In the colors of creation
Painting sunsets in the fall
I want to feel it all.

Been living so close to the skin trying to feel everything.
I’ve been digging down so deep, looking for eternal things.
I prayed a prayer to be wise,
To see it all with Your eyes,
For ears to hear
And a heart to seek
And the gift to find all the treasure you leave.

In the beauty of the morning
In the rhythm of the rain
In the symphony of laughter as it plays across a face
In the colors of creation
Painting sunsets in the fall
I want to feel it all.

What is life if not to see Your spirit passing by?
What is love if not to leave the imprint of your touch.
I think I see it.

In the beauty of the morning
In the rhythm of the rain
In the symphony of laughter as it plays across a face
In the colors of creation
Painting sunsets in the fall
I want to feel it all.

In the fury of the ocean
On a stormy winters day
In the choir of the angels as they dance upon the waves
In the colors of creation
Painting sunsets in the fall
I want to feel it all.

That is my prayer. To see it all with the eyes of Jesus. To see what He sees. To hear what he hears. To be so deeply in love with Him that I never take thinks like the ocean's waves or a snowstorm for granted. Jesus is such an awesome Creator!