Hello, My Name Is….

March 7, 2013 Leave a Comment
  • Unsuccessful
  • Unlovable
  • Ugly…

How often do you find yourself being defined what others say about you?  Do you let the lies of the devil sink into your heart?  I find myself letting negative thinking get in the way of me being fully used by God.  I use words like “stupid” and “unsuccessful” float around in my vocabulary.  If we could introduce ourselves to others with the words we let define us, it would be quite the introduction!

Hello, my name is ugly and worthless, nice to meet you.

That would be insane to introduce ourselves to people like that, but it makes you think about how you define yourselves.  I listened to Matthew West song, “Hello, My Name Is” yesterday for the first time.  It got me thinking.  How would my life be different if I defined myself as “a child of the one true King,” instead of the negative names I give myself?

It blows my mind knowing that I have a heavenly Father who loves me.  He loves me in spite of my weaknesses, my sins, my faults, my crazy hair days…the list goes on.  That’s awesome!  He loves you in spite of your past mistakes, your current mistakes, and your future mistakes.  When I sit and think about God’s love for me, I am extremely overwhelmed.

I ask God, “How could you love me?  I don’t even love me sometimes.  How could you love me when I fall flat on my face?  Didn’t you hear all the names people gave me?  You must have not gotten the memo.  I don’t deserve your love.”

Do you define yourself by your mistakes and weaknesses?  I do too.  I think it is time we change the definition.

Here’s a good start.

“Hello, my name is child of the one true King I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, and I have been set free “Amazing Grace” is the song I sing.  Hello, my name is child of the one true King

I am a child of the one true King.” {Matthew West–”Hello, My Name Is”–Into the Light}

“The Lord your God is with you,

the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

in his love he will no longer rebuke you,

but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Matthew West is an amazing artist and man of God.  I feel like listening to his songs is like having a good heart-to-heart with a best friend.  Check out this song!  It blessed my heart, and I am sure it will be a huge blessing to your heart too!

Filed Under: Christian Music, Learning Along the Way, My Life Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Music Spotlight: Colton Dixon, A Messenger

January 30, 2013 Leave a Comment

As you already know by now, I am slightly obsessed with Christian music. I am the weird person that is singing at the top of her lungs at the stoplight, most likely freaking out every driver next to me. Oh well!

Anyways, I am super excited about Colton Dixon’s new record, A Messenger!  I have been listening to it non-stop since it came out yesterday.  Colton is such a wonderful example for young people and every one of faith.  He is the same age as me, so I really look up to him and admire his strong faith.  He is very talented! When I listened to his single, “You Are,” I knew I was going to love his music.  ”You Are” is one of the songs I belt out when I hear it on the radio.

Usually I try to pick out a few of my favorites when I write about a CD, but I can’t pick out just a few….I love them all!  If I have to pick out a few favorites, I love “Let Them See You, Love Has Come for Me, Scars, and Never Gone.” I just can’t get over how much these songs touch my heart and how super talented Colton is.  I am his age and what have I accomplished for Christ?—it definitely gives me that needed push!

Because I love this CD, you will probably here about it some more (I know, I am prone to ramble and act like a giddy school girl when talking about my favorite music).  For now, I will leave you with one of my favorites. After listening to it, I know you will run to Wal-Mart or go on iTunes and get his CD.  Be prepared to fall in love with the music :)

“Love Has Come for Me” and “Scars” reminds me that I don’t have it all together–I DESPERATELY need Jesus.  I try to do it on my and get my act together, but then I fall on my face.  I need him 24/7 in my life because I can’t do it on my own, as much as I try to do it on my own, I am just fooling myself.  All I have to say, is praise God for using Colton’s music to work in my heart and life.  I am thick-headed and stubborn, so I need someone to knock me on the head and remind me I am stupid for trying to walk this life alone. “Scars” reminds me that when I goof up and fall flat on my face, God is waiting to dust me off and pick up the pieces. God using these times in our life to remind us where we are and where we’ve come from. Our scars are important in our faith story, reminding us of God’s redemption and love for us.

Ok, so I will stop rambling and let you have a chance to listen to these amazing songs! God bless!

Filed Under: Christian Music, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Let Go of the Pen

January 6, 2013 Leave a Comment

It has been forever since I’ve made a blog post..whats wrong with me!  I must have crazy writer’s block or something.  For those worried if I fell off the face of the planet, I am still alive haha!  And for others worried by the title that  I am going to write something crazy, you might be right.  I listened the sweetest song today by Moriah Peters called “Haven’t Even Kissed,” so I thought I should share it!

Many young people like myself worry about finding the “one”!  We get so caught up trying to make it happen for ourselves and forget who is the one in charge, God!  He already has a plan and a purpose.  He will find a way for us to meet the “one,” the person He has perfectly chosen for you.  I was listening to this song today and it really struck a chord in my heart.  When you are praying for God’s guidance and work in your life, He works His plans in the most unlikely of ways.  We need to let Him write our love story because He is much better at that than we are.

The lyrics that stuck out to me reminded me that we have to give God His place in our life to what He knows best to do–work our His plan and bring the right people into our lives.

I have been waiting patiently

I locked up my heart, gave God the key

And I’ve had to trust Him for a while

But now I can’t see you and not smile

Sometimes you seemed so out of reach

I held onto hope but I still felt lonely

Then I gave God the pen to write this love story

So it is time we let go of the pens we are holding.  We need to give our pens to the author of Life.  He is pretty good at what He does!  God seems to write some pretty awesome love stories.

Filed Under: Christian Music, My Life Tagged With: , , , ,

Guilty as Charged: Singing and Driving

October 21, 2012 Leave a Comment

As you probably can tell,  I am a tad bit obsessed with Christian music.  This week when I was going through my  Twitter feed, I realized one of my favorite bands, Remedy Drive, released a new album in September.  I totally freaked out!  I am a huge fan of their music and it seems like I have been waiting years for their new album.  During my morning commute, I listen to their music and sing my lungs out.  I have a feeling I might have scared some of the other drivers, oh well!

In high school, I was a nerd (yes, I know you are all so surprised haha).  I use to sneak away to the library to work on my homework and I would listen to Remedy Drive’s music on repeat.  I would rock out to Remedy Drive while working on my online accounting homework.  I was pretty wild back then ;)  I don’t know if I would have survived if not for Jesus and Remedy Drive’s music.

Anyways…back to their new CD.  I am in love with their new CD; I felt like a giddy little 5-year-old when I first listened to it.  I love all the songs, but my current favorites are “What Are We Waiting For, Don’t Forget, Glory, Better than Life, and Hold On.”   If you haven’t listened to any of these songs, you must!  Right now, put down what you are doing and find the songs on iTunes!

Remedy Drive is coming to Sioux Falls in January, which feels like 10 year away; I just can’t wait to hear them!  I will definitely be at the concert, even if I have to brave a snow storm.  And yes, I will be that weird girl singing to all their songs.

Here’s two of my favorites to help you get through the week ahead!  Enjoy!

Filed Under: Christian Music, My Life Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

15 Seconds of Fame (Thanks to The City Harmonic!)

September 17, 2012 4 Comments

If you haven’t read my blog before, you probably don’t know I have an addiction—an addiction to Christian music that is.  I am a huge Christian music fan!  A few months ago, one of my favorite bands, The City Harmonic, reached out to its fans asking for video submissions for its upcoming music video.  I was super excited, so I decided to submit a goofy, embarrassing video of myself trying to sing.  I shot the video in the basement of my dad’s restaurant.  My brother thought my video was weird, but I happily submitted it, even though I didn’t think they would probably pick mine.

Fast forward to last week.  I was sitting in my bed, checking my email and twitter.  I saw that The City Harmonic just released its new music video.  I checked it out, and while I was watching, I saw myself in the music video.  I almost fell out of my bed when I saw my clip in the music video.  Then I called my mom and she was thrilled.  I think she told about everyone we know.  She was definitely proud.  When I went to the restaurant the next day, the employees already knew about my 15 seconds of fame, oh Mom!

I love The City Harmonic’s music.  These guy are super talented, and they are using their music to reach others for Christ.  Their music really resonates with me and so many people I know.  I had the opportunity to meet the band members last year In Yankton, SD and I was so impressed with them.  They are super cool, funny, and down-to-earth guys!   They have a big heart for serving God.  I think it is so nice of them to include their fans in their music video!  It meant a lot to me that The City Harmonic included this goofy, Midwestern girl’s clip in their video.

If you haven’t checked out The City Harmonic’s music, you have to check it out!  You won’t be disappointed!

Check out their latest music video!  It was shot in such a beautiful area, and you get to hear one of my favorite songs, “Mountaintop.”  The way The City Harmonic included the fan clips is awesome!

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Music Spotlight: Jamie Grace

August 5, 2012 4 Comments

Picture Courtesy of Christian Post

I love, love, love Christian Music–it definitely keeps me going on those not-so-good days!  Today, I had a chance to see one of my favorite singers, Jamie Grace!  She is such an amazing, young woman of God.  I love her music, and she definitely has a heart for serving God.  Her music is a-mazing!  My top favorites are “Come to Me” and “Hold Me.”

I have been begging my mom to go to the local fair with me.  She was hesitant until I told her Jamie Grace was coming to play.  Then she changed her mind.  We are both huge Christian Music fans.  It was a beautiful afternoon and we got to see one of our favorite singers; what could be better?

My first impressions of Jamie Grace were that she is hilarious, down to earth, and she has heart for serving God & impacting the lives of others.  She sang some Veggie Tales songs, which was so fun.  I knew all of them, and I even sang along to a few (I know, I am 20 but I can’t help loving the Veggie Tales).  She gave her personal story of struggles such as having Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, and anxiety.  Her openness with the crowd was such a blessing.  She told of her struggles with feeling different and not having many friends.  I felt a kindred spirit with her because I struggled with making friends and feeling like I was different when I was younger.  Jamie Grace told the crowd that she didn’t want us to feel sad for her, but rather know that God can use her struggles and our struggles for our good and for His purpose.  God is so good!

Some people aren’t as good live as when you hear them on your iPod or CD Player, but Jamie Grace sounds wonderful!  I love her voice.  She sounded just as great live as she does when I hear her on the radio!  It is always fun to hear songs live, especially when you hear them all the time.  I always listened to her music while I was doing homework during the school year.  During the concert, I had to sing along to some of my favorite songs :)

My mom and I had a great time listening to Jamie Grace.  This fall, Jamie Grace, TobyMac, and Chris August are coming to town.  We can’t wait to hear Jamie Grace again and to see our other favorites!

If you haven’t heard of Jamie Grace, you must check out her music!

Filed Under: Christian Music Tagged With: , , ,

Exercising Our Faith Muscle

July 15, 2012 3 Comments

(Wow, its been forever since I have blogged.  Summer classes, work, the list goes on…has been keeping me busy!  I am alive, so don’t worry haha!)

My favorite part of the day is the time I before I go to bed.  I love the time I have to read my Charles Stanley devotionals and Bible and to have quite time with God.   This week has been a challenging week.  I was in need of some divine encouragement.  While reading my devotional one day, I get that extra boost of encouragement I needed.

“If we all had lives of ease without opposition, trials or pain, we’d never really know God because we’d never really need Him…Adversity teaches us more about the Lord than simply reading the Bible ever will.” Charles Stanley

What an amazing thought.  If I had an easy time of it, if everyday was smooth sailing, I wouldn’t need to depend on Christ for strength.  Our struggles remind us of our constant need for God’s help in our life.  I was humbled this week.  I was battling a cold, knee pain, work issues, along with watching some of my family members struggle with debilitating health issues.  I was reminded that I can’t do it on my own–I need my Savior to walk alongside me and pick me up when I can’t go any longer.

While doing physical therapy on my knee this week I learned a lot about muscles.  My muscles are weak and I need to do exercises to strengthen them (which is not a fun process!)  Our faith like a muscle.  If we don’t exercise it, it will become weak; we need to constantly exercise it and use it in order to make it stronger.  God places difficult circumstance in our life to strengthen our faith.  It might not be easy, but in the end if will be worth it.  Knowing God has plan has helped me through difficult circumstances.

One of my favorite songs “This is the Stuff” by Francesca Battistelli.  This song played through my head this week.  I think these lyrics sum up how we feel during those rough days.

This is the stuff that drives me crazy

This is the stuff that’s getting to me lately

In the middle of my little mess

I forget how big I’m blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin

But I gotta trust You know exactly what You’re doing

It might not be what I would choose

But this is the stuff You use

If you are having a rough time, know that God has plan for your life.  You are working your faith muscle, and you are going to have six-pack equivalent once you are done!  Praying God’s blessing over your life!

Filed Under: Christian Music, Learning Along the Way, My Life Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

I Can Feel You

April 25, 2012 6 Comments

My brother is always finding cool artists on Bandcamp, so I decided to look up some artists.  With finals and end-of-the-year stresses, God knew I needed some encouragement tonight.  He led me to Jake Walter‘s music.  What a blessing this song has been to me today; hope this song blesses your heart just as much as it has blessed mine!

“When I see your face, my troubles fade away.
We’ve made it this far. We can’t look back.
I will try my best, with all of my heart.
To give you the love, that you’ve given me.”

~”I Can Feel You” by Jake Walter

Filed Under: Christian Music, My Life Tagged With: , , ,

You’re Worth More Than Gold

April 18, 2012 5 Comments

We’ve all had those days–the days when we feel that we are not pretty enough, smart enough, or cool enough.  Maybe your family doesn’t accept you or maybe a friend just said such hurtful words.  Or even in school, maybe you were bullied and rejected by your peers.  Well, I hope you already know this and believe this: You are worth more than gold in the eyes of your Heavenly Father!  

Unkind words can be painful but you don’t have to listen to them because the only thing that matters is what the God of the universe thinks about you.  Other might reject you but your Heavenly Father accepts you just as you are! [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christian Music, Encouragement Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

I Crave Peace

April 12, 2012 Leave a Comment

I am a huge fan of For King and Country.  They have beautiful music and wonderfully written lyrics.  I was excited when I read on their website that they want fans to make lyric videos.  They have asked fans to make a video with their favorite part of the song, “Crave” and write what they crave.   They are going to compile all the videos into one lyric video.  If you are also a fan of For King & Country, learn more.  I am so excited to see the final product! [Read more...]

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