Category Archives: Favorites

What Language Do You Speak?

Posted on by
Reply

I don’t know about you, but when I’m alone in the car, I talk out loud… I talk to the Lord, I talk to the other drivers, I talk to myself, and I talk to the radio!

It’s possible that I looked a little cray-cray when I heard this song on the radio the other day! The beat grabbed my attention, but the lyrics…. Oh my! The lyrics resounded loud in my spirit and I couldn’t help pumping my fist in agreement!

Native Tongue by Switchfoot is a powerful statement about who we are and Who we came from! If we marry these two verses, you’ll see what I mean:

God is Love + God created mankind [us] in His image (I John 4:8, Genesis 1:27)

We were created to look like our Dad! He is love, He speaks love, He functions in love! Love is our native language! Take a listen: Native Tongue

We are born with the capacity to function in love and demonstrate love, but too often we are taught to function out of self-preservation, pain, and judgment. It’s time to go back to our native tongue!

Back before we learned the words to start a fight
Back before they told us that the haters were right
He spoke the truth, “let there be” and there was
Love is the language, love is your native tongue

My heart is a beating drum
My head in oblivion
My soul, such a long way from
My lips, my lungs, my native tongue

My friend, where did we go wrong?
My Lord, we forgot our sound
My soul, such a long way from
My lips, my lungs, my native tongue

So sing it loud, get loud, get
Louder than the voices in the crowd, yeah
Even when they tried to drown you out, eh
Your lips, your lungs, your native tongue

So sing it out, get loud, get
Louder than the darkness and the doubts, eh
Louder than the curses and the shouts, yeah
Your lips, your lungs, your native tongue

Songwriters: Brent Kutzle / Jonathan Mark Foreman / Timothy David Foreman
NATIVE TONGUE lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

What a challenge! Lord, Take us back to the Place where we were created from: Your heart! Teach us to communicate like You! Help us to function as You created us to, out of love, instead of pain, judgement, or pride! Help us to “get louder than the voices in the crowd!”

Live Loved! And you will impact those around you with love!

P.S. If this blessed you or encouraged you, please share on social media! Drop me a comment too! 🙂

Favorite Friday: Artist

Posted on by
2

OK… fangirl post! From the early days of DC Talk’s hit Heavenbound to his new release, The Elements, dropping today, TobyMac has been at the T-O-P of my favorite artist list!  As I was thinking about this blog, I tried to choose my favorite TobyMac tune and I have to confess, that was not an easy endeavor!  Some songs stand out because of their artistic wow-ness while others have lyrics that go deep… and that’s without factoring in the Christmas songs!

DC Talk, Then and Now

But before we go to the favorites, here are the top 10 reasons that I think highly of TobyMac.  (No, I don’t know him as a person, but the fruit of his walk is evident to anyone who pays attention.)

Top 10 things I appreciate about TobyMac:

10: DC Talk brotherhood: In this age of “no one stays together,” TobyMac, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max demonstrate that brotherhood is still a priority even while pursuing solo careers. Jesus Freak

9: Gotee Records: Toby formed this label with two others when they were unable to find a label deal for Out of Eden.  Today, you’ll find diverse and talented artists such as Aaron Cole, Hollyn, Capital Kings, and Relient K on Gotee’s roster!  Right on Time by Aaron Cole

8: Commitment to People: TobyMac is in his 10th year of sponsoring Run for Hope, a local school in his area.  Additionally, he sponsors Camp Electric which is an interactive worship and rock & roll camp.  He values his community in Franklin, Tennessee, purposefully frequenting the local businesses.  This Christmas

7: Christmas tunes! I love what TobyMac brings to Christmas… A fresh perspective of the delight and beauty found in celebrating Jesus’ birth! O Come, All Ye Faithful

6: Promotes others: I know that TobyMac must have a strong business sense and most likely take seriously the blessing of providing an inheritance for his children’s children.  But kudos to the guy for investing in others by lending his talents to their songs and coming alongside others to help make their vision a reality! Check out this Citizen shop. Hold Me by Jamie Grace

5: Artistic creativity: Do I need to explain this?  Every album: same signature voice in outrageously creative, diverse tunes!  It doesn’t get old! This is Not a Test

4: Passion about diversity: You don’t have to listen long to pick up on TobyMac’s passion for diversity.  Not only does he sing about it, but he even named his band Diverse City!  Colored People, Wanna Be Loved (both by DC Talk), Diverse City, City on Our Knees, One World, all point to his desire to see love trump hate, differences, and division.

3: #SpeakLife Movement: After TobyMac’s song Speak Life hit the airwaves, its popularity inspired the #SpeakLife movement encouraging positive, life-giving words that shine His light to a hurting world. (Ephesians 4:29) Speak Life

2: Spiritual growth: From my perspective, TobyMac demonstrates new spiritual depth with each successive release.  His songs seem to reflect an increasingly deeper personal connection with His Heavenly Father.  In his words, “I try to lean into God and say ‘What’s up? Watchya want me to say, Daddy*?'” when he is in the writing process. As listeners, we feel his growing understanding of walking out this faith, grappling with real life issues, and pressing through the fire to find victory. I Just Need U

1: Commitment to family and faith: It’s clear, this man loves and values his family!  And He loves his Heavenly Father!   He purposes to show that in the choices he makes and the songs he writes and sings. What a blessing! Lose My Soul, Family, Steal My Show

 

Okay… I tried to come up with my favorite, but that was a no-go, so here are my favoriteS by TobyMac and Diverse City:

Maybe someday, I’ll get to chat with the this artistic legend!  Who is your favorite artist and why?  I’d love to hear…

Live Love and Sing with abandonment!

P.S. If you enjoyed this, please share on social media and comment! 🙂

Special thanks to:

P.P.S.: Andy and Caleb met TobyMac, Jon Micah (of Kutless), and Mark Stuart (formerly Audio Adrenaline) at Grove City College in Pennsylvania in 2005.  After a rousing game of stick ball, the artists gladly posed for some fan shots!  Here’s a throwback shot!

Disclaimer: I own the rights to none of these songs or videos.

Favorite Friday-Lemme Tellya!

Posted on by
3

Oh no, that was not a typo!  Planetboom’s new song Lemme TellYa is topping my list of favorite’s this week.  Why? Powerful lyrics married with incredible beats!  Turn up that volume…

As a teen, I remember the debate over “Christian Rock.”  Many in the older generation thought that it couldn’t be a good thing, after all, think about the reputation of the rock ‘n’ roll world, right?!  Today, there are many who decry rap, hiphop, metal, reggae, or any music involving more than piano and guitar!

My stand then, is the same as today… What about the lyrics? What are they alluding to or outright saying? Are the lyrics positive or negative? Uplifting or degrading?

 

Music itself is a vehicle that delivers; the lyrics are what impacts the mind and even beliefs.  Regardless of style… the lyrical quality determines the impact value of the song! 

Want to bring more dance inspiring tunes into your day?  Here are two more of Planetboom’s tunes that are definitely worth a listen!

If you enjoy these tunes (and maybe my thoughts too), please share on social media and comment!

Live Loved and Dance like only He is watching!

P.S. Thanks to Miranda for introducing me to yet another cool tune!

P.P.S Planetboom might not be familiar to you, but they are the youth spinoff of Planet Shakers, who have some inspiring tunes themselves!

Favorite Friday… Just Wow!

Posted on by
2

True confessions… I’m not a dancer!  Oh, I look like one in my mind!  I enjoy beboppin’ around the house, trying those dance moves that my daughter makes look so easy!  I’ve had my moments of “River Dancing” right along with Michael Flatley and I can do the Cupid Shuffle with the best of them!  But…  I’m probably the only one who thinks that what I’m doing is actually dancing!  (At least I’m having fun, right?!)

 

Regardless, dancing competitions and cool dancing videos are popular around our house.  Miranda showed me this video the other day and I was captivated!  The incredible talent and synchronicity of this group blew my mind!  In fact, I used it in a lesson on teamwork with my students yesterday!  I liked it so much that I decided I had to share it with you!

But… that’s not the only reason this song caught my attention.  After watching the dancing video, we watched the lyric video of the song, Lazarus.  Trip Lee tells a story of coming to life spiritually in such a creative and unique way!  I turned to Miranda and said, “That’ll preach!” Her response: “It already is!”  And she is correct!  The truth of God’s faithfulness, how He rescues us, and restores our spirits can be “preached” in so many ways!  God’s power is at the heart of Trip Lee’s Message:

“Hopped up out the grave, thriller style
They ain’t think that He could do it, but He did it now
I mean the Captain, the almighty Lord
Setting captives free, all aboard, all aboard
Can’t stop Him when He got His mind made up
He don’t like that grave? Sayonara, see you later
He made the blind see and got the lame up
So it’s no surprise He can raise us
Wake them up now
Believers when your life is looking tough now
When you’re at your all time low
Don’t forget that power that He already showed”1

God has shown His sustaining power and His faithfulness to me in so many ways!  I see it in His provision on a daily basis.  I hear it in the voices of those I love.  I feel it in His grace that carries me through the difficult days!  I can’t help but celebrate who He is whenever I get the chance!

 

Our God is amazingly creative and we are just like Him!  How do you share Your Father’s faithfulness with those around you?  Singing, writing, drawing, posting, sculpting, dancing, chatting, giving, loving?  You were designed to paint His reflection on your world! You have a story to share and someone needs to hear it!

Live Loved,

1Lyrics from “Lazarus” by Trip Lee

 

Favorite Friday: Not-So-New-Artist

Posted on by
Reply

I’m a good ol’ classic rock and roll kind of girl!  My teen years were influenced by a mix of Journey, Petra, Foreigner, DeGarmo & Key, the Eagles, and more.  Today, Skillet tops my list of bands that inspire the radio to be up and the windows down!

Those who know and love Skillet will recognize the name of this new band: Ledger!  Ledger is front lined by Jen Ledger, the talented drummer of Skillet.

Ledger is currently on tour opening for Skillet.  Their EP is available for download at https://ledgerband.com/.  Some of the great tunes on the album include: Bold, Not Dead Yet, and Warrior.

Listen to my current favorite Ledger tune, Bold, now!

“All this time
I have believed the lie
That I wasn’t made to fly
My wings were bound, stuck to the ground

But I hear truth remind me
You are right behind me
Go ahead and break the mold

I’m gonna be bold
Gotta hold my head up
‘Cause I know when I get up
There’s a victory I already hold
I’m gonna be strong
Gotta get my fight on
‘Cause I know Whose side I’m on
Got a heart like steel, a faith like gold
I’m gonna be bold

Take a breath
Faith builds within my chest
Spirit in every step
I’m made for this and so I rest”1

What is it that you are facing?  What circumstance is trying to make you cower in fear or frustration?  Look it square in the face, let your faith build and believe that you have a heart like steel and a faith like gold!
Turn it up, sing loud, and be bold! 
Live Loved,

1Lyrics from Bold by Ledger

Favorite Friday: Connection!

Posted on by
Reply

“Raindrops on roses

And whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles

And warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things…”1

Julie Andrews sang these lyrics as the intrepid Maria, an adult orphan who embraced music to soothe her lonely heart.  As her story unfolds, what a blessing it was to find herself set into a family!  I’d like to imagine that she added a few lyrics to this song…

“Sweet, sticky kisses

And warm, cozy cuddles

Laughter and snapshots

And birthdays with candles

Ball games and bike rides, Kids pumping on swings

These are a few of my favorite things…”

Connection with family and friends is one of my favorite things!

Connection… authentic, encouraging, enriching connection… is to the soul what nourishing food is to the body!  Authentic connection usually entails sharing,  lots of laughter, heart revelations, and even some tears.  These are times when you know and are known.  You are cared for simply because of who you are instead of what you can do.

Yesterday, I listened as my daughter shared her heart about what God was doing there in the Philippines.  She was facetiming her uncle who she’d not seen or spoken with (aside from the occasional call or text) in a few years.  I watched as he listened and affirmed her.  What a blessing to see authentic connection overcome time and distance!  You and I need these connections for our soul to thrive!Truly connecting with others requires something of us… it requires time, interaction, and vulnerability.

  • Since time is not easily recovered, it is a valuable commodity. We demonstrate value of another person by setting aside time to engage in their lives and build the relationship!
  • Interaction might also be labeled communication. However, some would say communication is the art of listening and talking.  To me, interaction indicates a deeper level of listening, considering, and responding that enhances relationship and increases understanding by engaging the heart, mind, and spirit.
  • While time and interaction might seem like no-brainers, vulnerability is where the brain may slam on the brakes! Relationships can occur with time and even interaction, but they will remain shallow and unfulfilling without vulnerability.  Authentic connection can only occur when vulnerability is present.  What is vulnerability?  Various people may define it differently, but I’d say it’s a bit like peeling back your skin and showing what is truly inside your heart!  Being vulnerable is choosing to say, “This is who I am inside; this is what I need; this is where I hurt; this is what I dream.”  It’s scary and even painful to open yourself up to others because they are human too!  They may not appreciate the gift of you.  So, be wise about the who, what, where, and when of vulnerability.  But don’t be stingy with sharing who you are!  You will only cheat yourself.  Dr. Brené Brown brings clarity to the value of vulnerability in her TED talk and it’s worth a listen!2

Deeply connecting with others can be scary!  It also can seem impossible if you have a tendency to isolate yourself.  However, don’t let that stop you!  If you find that you have few authentic connections in your life, my challenge to you is this:  Don’t wait for others to come to you!  Reach out to someone else, peel back the layers of heart-protection, and engage them in some nourishing interaction!

Just as candy and junk food will not sustain a healthy body, shallow relationships and surface conversation will not sustain a healthy soul.

We need more!  Moving beyond the safety of self-preservation to the satisfaction of heart connection isn’t a guarantee of no pain.  BUT, moving towards heart connection gives more than it takes.  Pressing into authentic relationships with others is a worthwhile, heartwarming, rewarding endeavor.  Others are worth knowing and YOU are worth being known!3

Connection will enrich your life as it has mine!

Live Loved!

 1Lyrics from “My Favorite Things” written by Richard Rogers for The Sound of Music

2The Power of Vulnerability by Dr. Brené Brown: https://youtu.be/iCvmsMzlF7o

3Read more about your value here: You are Enough & Beautiful Mess

Favorite Friday-Dancing Fun!

Posted on by
2

Yes, you busted me!  It’s actually Saturday!  But yesterday, focusing on my firstborn’s birthday was a priority, so here we are with slightly late Favorite Friday!

I’m not sure what your “religious paradigm” involves, but I was raised in a non-conservative denomination with solid faith foundations that I am very thankful to have embraced.  However, as I explore the difference between Kingdom Culture as evidenced in the life of Jesus, outlined in the Word, and confirmed by the Holy Spirit and America’s version of Christian culture, I realize that much of what I was raised with is definitely rooted in the latter instead of the authentic Kingdom Culture.

I could give you various examples of how historically many cultures have translated Kingdom culture through the lens of their own culture, but I will give you this biblical example:  When the Gentiles joined the rank of believers, the Jews felt that they should be circumcised because that was Jewish law.  However, Paul contended that under the New Covenant, it was a circumcision of the heart God expected, not the physical body (Romans 2).  Physical circumcision was Jewish culture; heart circumcision (spiritual submission to the Lord) is Kingdom culture!

All that to say, that I was raised believing that dancing was not appropriate in the Christian culture unless you were dancing “in the Spirit” (II Sam. 6:14).  Sound familiar?  As I’ve grown as a person and a believer, I understand that while dancing in the Spirit is a very valid (and biblical) act, dancing in and of itself is not wrong either!  I love that!  I love that we can worship the Lord with dance (Psalm 149) and we can also just have fun dancing (Jeremiah 31:4)!  Dancing is healthy for our minds and bodies!1  (Caveat: like anything else, dancing can become negative but that’s not the subject of this blog!)

Then I stumbled upon this song by MercyMe in one of my playlists:

Love it!

“We’ve got reason to get up 
Reason to get down
He done traded our sin for joy
And now, that joy wants out”2

Don’t wait! Play the song and jump out of your chair to dance!

“It’s okay, to cut loose
Oh, it ain’t about how you move, but what moves you
We’re so consumed with what we think we’re supposed to be
That we stop living like we know that we’re free”2

Dance because you are free!

Live Loved,

1Dancing Makes You Feel Better article

2Lyrics from Happy Dance by Mercy Me

Favorite Friday-Essential Oils!

Posted on by
2

We have such an incredible, creative Intelligent Designer!  When He created you and I, He had already filled the earth with provision for most of our physical needs.  That includes healing!  I’m not a savant of essential oils, but I am definitely a fan and am learning a lot!  Today, I’m sharing my top favorite essential oils!*  (Note: These thoughts are only my personal experiences and opinions!  I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV! Please research yourself before trying any! 🙂 )

My Top 5 Essential Oils:

5: Thieves-I’ve only recently tried this and I was so glad I did!  This oil blend has a delightful scent and taste due to the cinnamon, cloves, lemon etc. in it.  I was struggling with a sore throat and within a few days of using thieves, it was gone!

4: Lemon-This oil has a delightful smell that is invigorating and refreshing.  Use it for cleaning, freshening breath, flavoring water or tea, and even improving digestion.

3: Frankincense is another all around amazing oil!  No wonder the Wisemen brought it to Jesus!  It supports healthy cells, soothes skin irritations, promotes the fading of blemishes, and even strengthens healthy nails. I’ve seen an improvement in spider veins using this oil.

2: Melaleuca or Tea Tree-This oil has been around for ages and is remarkable.  Tea tree oil soothes the skin and scalp.  It also keeps lice away (teachers love that!). It takes care of bug bites and dissolves blemishes.

1: Peppermint!  Peppermint oil soothes headaches immediately, calms upset tummies, tames the appetite, awakens the senses, and freshens the breath! You just can’t go wrong with it!  (Unless you forget you have it on your hands and rub your eyes!  Oy vey!)  It’s also hands down, my favorite to diffuse!

How interesting and even fun it has been to learn about the advantages and uses of something so natural as essential oils.  I’m thankful for the wonderful way that oils have been a blessing to me!  Years ago, I learned that garlic & mullein oil works wonders on ear infections and we’ve not had any ear issues since that discovery.  I enjoy the concept that we are managing health concerns in natural ways.  Recently, I’m learning more about blends that bring pain relief and heal wounds.  I’ve embraced oils so much, I needed an oil shelf…  So, found an antique spice rack, refinished it, and voila!  That made my creative side happy too!

Here’s to learning and growing! Here’s to healing the natural way!  If you use essential oils, share your favorite in the comments!

Thanks, Lord, for giving us natural remedies!

Live loved!

*Before purchasing essential oils, check the ingredients to be sure the product is 100% essential oils and not cut with fillers or other ingredients.  Aromatherapy oils are not intended for internal consumption.

Favorite Friday-Kingdom Prayers!

Posted on by
2

One of my most frequent requests of the Father is this: Let Your Kingdom Come! (Matthew 5:10) I often pray this over my marriage, my children (biological and bonus ones), my metron (realm of influence), my church family, and the church of God as a whole.

Lord, Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done!  I’m passionate to see Kingdom Culture established here on earth!   You just can’t go wrong praying for His Will to come and to be done in your life and circumstances!

So, when Stars Go Dim’s new song hit the airwaves, I was captivated by it! The tune is catchy and the truth of the lyrics was a delight to declare!  Here are just some of those lyrics:

“In my heart, let Kingdom come
Not my will but Yours be done
Take my life and let it be
Set on fire for all to see
Break me down, build me up again
Don’t leave me the way I’ve been
Take my heart into Your hands
Come and finish what You began
‘Til I seek Your kingdom first
‘Til I shine, shine
Like Heaven on earth
Like Heaven on earth
Help me move when I should move
Help me rest when I should rest
Help me give what I should give
All of me, nothing less
Help me speak with grace and truth
Help me fight for those who can’t
Help me love the way You love
Never holding nothing back (yeah like Heaven on earth)”1
Enjoy!
Live Loved,
1 Lyrics from “Heaven on Earth” by Stars Go Dim

Favorite Friday-Joy!

Posted on by
1

Two of the greatest joys in my life are my two children! (I really like their Dad too!) As I engage with them on the adult level, I enjoy them even more!  The love of music is one of the things that Miranda and I share.  This week, we introduced each other to new songs we heard on the radio!

 

Miranda’s pick to share was for King and Country’s Joy.  I love the uniqueness of this song even while it incorporates a childhood favorite!  I choose JOY!

“Oh, hear my prayer tonight, I’m singing to the sky
Give me strength to raise my voice, let me testify
Oh, hear my prayer tonight, ’cause this is do or die
The time has come to make a choice
And I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move you, let it move you
Yeah, I choose joy
Let it move you, let it move, let it move you1″

My pick to share with Miranda this week was Skillet’s Brave!

No height, no depth, no fear can shake me

Held firm, Your hands will never fail me

I won’t lose strength, for Your strength is mine

You will be my light through the darkest night2

Great music!  Enjoy them this weekend! 

Live Loved,

1Lyrics from Joy by for King and Country

2Lyrics from Brave by Skillet