Tag Archives: Music

What Language Do You Speak?

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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

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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!

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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: Not-So-New-Artist

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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 Music Friday-Hello May!

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Happy May 4th! 

May is one of my favorite months!  (Though, it’s not nearly as terrific as July A.K.A. My birthday month!)  But May represents so many things to me:

  • The conclusion of a school year
  • Beach days
  • Family birthdays
  • Our ladies’ retreat
  • And Planning Vacation Bible School!
  • Our anniversary!

This year, our church, Freedom International Church, decided to develop our own VBS theme and curriculum!  What a wonderful opportunity for people to exercise their gifts in a creative way!  We are developing puppet blurbs, crafts, games, skits, and Bible points.  Additionally, we need amazing songs that our kids can dance to and that also reflect our theme and heart.

Enter our Favorite Music Friday song of the week (suggested by the Hubby and introduced to us by our daughter, Miranda)-WaveWalker by Citizen Way!  The lyrics are strong, the tune is fun, and the message is clear!  Enjoy!

“You will make a way
When it feels like there’s no way
So I will walk by faith
‘Cause You will make a way”1

So thankful for that Holy Ghost power that enables us to do the impossible!  Thank You, Lord!

Live Loved!

1 Lyrics from WaveWalker by Citizen Way

The Ripple Effect

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In our area, we are truly blessed to have not only one, but three, wonderful Christian radio stations.  I love to turn the volume up and sing along (even when I don’t know all the words).  I enjoy the various DJ personalities, join in with the discussions (though they can’t hear me!) and appreciate the moments of prayer.  Many times, songs have ministered to my heart with words that just touched me right where I was at in my journey.

The other day I was listening to a catchy new song when the chorus line caught my attention.  “Dream Small” the artist sang, causing me to suddenly become alert to what was playing.  Dream small?  Wait… what?  Are you nuts? No, no, no! We should dream big, huge, ginormously!

Not wanting to judge quickly, I listened to the verses and chorus again.  I discovered that the song writer wanted people to realize that ministry need not wait for global opportunities but can happen daily by simply being kind, giving, listening, being faithful, and living well.

 

I agree, please do ALL of those things, but DON’T.DREAM.SMALL!! Don’t sell short the impact of what those “small” things can do!

Anyone who has read a few of my posts or has heard me preach or teach knows that touching people in our realm of influence is a theme I’m passionate about!   I wrote about impacting others in All Embracing Love as well as being Sweet and Savory.  Touching the lives around us is a desire that is close to God’s heart too.  We hear His encouragement sprinkled throughout Scripture:

  • Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
  • Be generous (Proverbs 11:25)
  • Be thankful (Colossians 3:15)
  • Be peaceful (see above)
  • Be gentle (II Timothy 2:24)
  • Be patient (I Thessalonians 5:14)

And above all this, we are to pursue, go hard after, be purposeful about, deliberately love (I Corinthians 14:1).

To the untrained eye, these “random acts of kindness” may indeed seem small.  It may feel like we are just making a dent in the work of reaching a hurting world.  BUT GOD!

When we reach out to touch others with compassion and kindness, it is no small thing!  Have you ever tossed a pebble into a lake?  That “small” piece of rock causes a ripple effect, sending out multiple rings of movement on the lake’s surface and even below as it descends.

 

As we are faithful to impact our realm of influence, God is faithful to send others to water or harvest the seeds we planted (I Corinthians 3:6-8).  Or maybe we are those that water; we may even have the opportunity to reap! What you and I do when we are kind, faithful, consistent, patient, and giving… creates a ripple effect in His Kingdom because God gives the increase.

Don’t dream small!  Act small…  sowing acts of grace towards others… then, Dream big!!!  Believe that the ripple effect from your kindness, faithfulness, and gentleness will reach farther than you ever imagined!  After all, it’s our Father, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, who gives the increase.  And He is really good at multiplication!

Close your eyes… well, read this and then close your eyes… picture in your mind a big, loveable, dog who has just jumped into a vat of blessing.  Climbing out, it excitedly gives a full-body shake that spreads droplets of blessing on everyone in a 20 feet radius.  That blessing-sharing character is you!  Jump into your Father’s love, soak up some blessing, and go shake it all over everyone you meet!

Live Loved, it makes loving others easier!

Please comment and share on social media!  We are blessed to be a blessing!

Favorite Music Friday-Throwback!

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I am not much of an American Idol watcher….  except for season twelve.  That season, we never missed a show or failed to vote!  You see, Tana Zinnanti Miller, a sweet sister from my college days, had a daughter, Angela, in the competition.

Angie Miller advanced to the top 40 by singing a song she wrote herself and brought the judges to their feet.  The anointing rested upon Angie as she sang from her heart on that stage.  It’s one of my favorite American Idol moments.  AI later allowed her to record that single and here it is for you to enjoy!

Check out the moment that the judges got a glimpse of all the talent wrapped up in this lovely lady!

Angela is now performing under the name Zealyn.  You can learn more about her here or go to Zealyn.co!

Live Loved and Happy Friday!

Favorite Music Friday the 13th!

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Upon waking up this morning, one of my very first thoughts was, “Thank You, Lord!  It’s Friday!”  The 13th or not, Fridays are welcome days to this teacher!

If your chosen field encounters as many bumpy days as mine, you probably crave some quiet moments of relaxation as often as possible.  One of the ways I relax is with soothing music filled with lovely piano notes and maybe some cello or violin.

 

 

The Piano Guys are some of my faves!  They do a beautiful rendition of “Let It Go” from Frozen. There are just too many good pieces by TPG to say this is my favorite, but I enjoy this tune and the scenery too!

Here’s another unique number by these talented guys: What Makes You Beautiful.

But I couldn’t stop there!  Check out this wonderful Greatest Showman medley by Lindsey Stirling!  Her vibrant and passionate playing captures my imagination!

Enjoy! Soak in some relaxation and have a wonderfully blessed weekend!

Live loved,

Favorite Music Good Friday

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Sometimes, a song comes along and all I want to do is:

Sit… soak… listen… rest…

allowing peace to go deep in in my soul as awe rises in my spirit!

I can’t necessarily explain the why, but some music just makes me melt inside.

This week, it’s been this song by HIllsong: So Will I (100 Billion X)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGp_UCoPYAk

On this Good Friday, when we remember that Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for an imperfect people He dearly loved, dwell on the truth and amazingness of these lyrics:

God of salvation
You chased down my heart
Through all of my failure and pride
On a hill You created
The light of the world
Abandoned in darkness to die

And as You speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here
If You left the grave behind You so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You’ve done
Every part designed in a work of art called love
If You gladly chose surrender so will I
I can see Your heart
Eight billion different ways
Every precious one
A child You died to save
If You gave Your life to love them so will I

source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/h/hillsongunitedlyrics/sowilli100billionxlyrics.html

He gave His all for you because He loves you!

Live Loved,