Inspiration By Song {#14}

Happy Sunday, Girls!

I hope you all have wonderful days today! I'm going dress shopping with my aunt, mom, and little sister to find a dress for my aunt to where to her graduation {she's in the nursing program, and she's officially an LPN- Licensed Practical Nurse now!} Should be fun! Whatever you do today, remember to thank God for it! We are all so, ridiculously blessed, {yes, that's you!} and half the time we don't even recognize it. Rest, relax, recharge and get read to start a beautiful new week on Monday! To get you inspired, I've got two awesome songs for you: Outcast and No Matter What both by Kerry Roberts! She is a fabulous artist I recently discovered. I love her style, and she is so encouraging and relateable. Trust me, they are both oh-so-awesome songs, and the lyrics are just plain amazing!

Since I can remember

Guess I've been a problem

Never had a filter

Never been the popular one

To sugarcoat what I know is undeniable

I just can't hide it

I wear it like a letter

Everywhere I go

Everyone is talking

I can feel them staring

They hope I'm just pretending

And giving up my power

Caving into pressure

I'm not living for them

I live for something better

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

But let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

I will stand my ground

And be an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So what if I don't look the

Part I'm supposed to play

What if I don't follow

All the rules they make

They think I should be perfect

They love it when I mess up

No grace in case I blow it

A good girl shouldn't need it

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

But let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

I will stand my ground

And be an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So slow and everybody's so fast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

I try to play nice

I don't want to fight

But I won't be gray

When it's all black and white

'Cause what I believe

Is what makes me strong

If I don't belong

I'll hold on to love

I try to play nice

I don't want to fight

But I won't be gray

When it's all black and white

'Cause what I believe

Is what makes me strong

If I don't belong

I'll hold on to love

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So-o what if I'm an outcast

So slow and everybody's so fast

No matter what it costs

I'll be an outcast

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

But let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

Imma stand my ground

And be an outcast

I'm not good enough

I'm not what they want

And let me tell you what

I know who I am

So just throw me out

For not fitting in

I will stand my ground

And be an outcast

I’m running back to Your promises one more time

Lord that’s all I can hold on to

I gotta say this has taken me by surprise, but nothing surprises You

Before a heartache can ever touch my life

It has to go through Your hands

And even though I keep asking why, I keep asking why

No matter what, I’m gonna love You

No matter what I’m gonna need You

I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain

But if not, if not, I’ll trust You no matter what, no matter what

When I’m stuck in this nothingness by myself

I’m just sitting in silence

There’s no way I can make it without Your help, I won’t even try it

I know You have Your reasons for everything so I will keep believing

Whatever I might be feeling, God You are my hope

And You will be my strength

Anything I don’t have You can give it to me, but it’s OK if You don’t

I’m not here for those things

The touch of Your love is enough on its own

No matter what I still love You and I’m gonna need You

No matter what I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You

I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain

But if not, if not, I’ll trust You

I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain

But if not, but if not, I’ll trust You

No matter what

No matter no matter what

No matter no matter what

No matter no matter what

Inspiration By Song {#13}

Happy Sunday, Friends!

Hope you are having a beautiful, fun, and safe weekend! Today, we have 2 beautiful songs to inspire us, one by Hilllsong United, and one by Brandon Heath. Really listen to the words. These songs are amazing!

I wanna see the broken hearts

Finding hope in God above

I wanna know I'm doing all I can

So with this life, with all I am

No matter what the cost may be

I pray to see Your love become our cause

I won't stop believing

You alone are, You alone are God

In You there's freedom

Your love brings me to my knees again

We're gonna bring an anthem of love

We're gonna live for You now

This perfect love, I can't explain

This way of life that has no end

Your mercy satisfies, it's all I need

My purpose found in You alone

To love the lost and bring them home

We were made to glorify our King

I won't stop believing

You alone are, You alone are God

In You there's freedom

Your love brings me to my knees again

We're gonna bring an anthem of love

We're gonna live for You

May Your love become my every thought

I wanna know the sound of Your heart

I wanna live for You now

Sing You, You bring me life

You bring me hope

You're all I need

Sing You, You bring me life

You bring me hope

You're all I need

Sing You, You bring me life

You bring me hope

You're all I need

Sing You, You bring me life

You bring me hope

You're all I need

Sing You, You bring me life

You bring me hope

You're all I need

Sing You, You bring me life

You bring me hope

You're all I need

I wish you could see me now

I wish I could show you how

I'm not who I was

I used to be mad at you

A little on the hurt side too

But I'm not who I was

I found my way around

To forgiving you

Some time ago

But I never got to tell you so

I found us in a photograph

I saw me and I had to laugh

You know, I'm not who I was

You were there, you were right above me

And I wonder if you ever loved me

Just for who I was

When the pain came back again

Like a bitter friend

It was all that I could do

To keep myself from blaming you

I reckon it's a funny thing

I figured out I can sing

Now I'm not who I was

I write about love and such

Maybe 'cause I want it so much

I'm not who I was

I was thinking maybe I

I should let you know

I am not the same

But I never did forget your name

Hello

Well the thing I find most amazing

In amazing grace

Is the chance to give it out

Maybe that's what love is all about

I wish you could see me now

I wish I could show you how

I'm not who I was

What song has inspired and uplifting you this week? I would love for you to link it up to be featured in next weeks Inspiration By Song! Be Blessed! 

P.S: Don't Forget: The My Memories scrapbooking software giveaway ends tonight, so if you haven't entered, be sure to do so!

Inspiration By Song

Hey Sweet Friends!

Happy Sunday! I hope you had an amazing day today. I know I did! My uncle, aunt, and adorable 20 month old cousin are in town until Wednesday, so we had a pool party at my cousin Julie's house today. Though I didn't swim (It was a little windy... And the pool was cold... And even when it's 100 degrees outside, somehow, whenever I swim, it always ends in me shivering. Go figure.) I still had so much fun visiting with everyone! I hope your day was a beautiful as mine was. :)

Today, we are getting our inspiration for the week from Mandisa. I don't know about you, but I am addicted to Mandisa. I will seriously go on Youtube, add a few of her songs to my playlist, and listen to that replay for hours.I never get tired of it! Her songs are amazing.

Even though I know I've already featured these songs before, why not? There's nothing wrong with a refresher. Really listen. Behind all the seriously amazing catchy and upbeat music, take in the words. Mandisa is what I call empowering.

"Hey, heard you were up all night

Thinking about how your world ain't right

And you wonder if things will ever get better

And you're asking why is it always raining on you

When all you want is just a little good news

Instead of standing there stuck out in the weather

Oh, don't hang your head

It's gonna end

God's right there

Even if it's hard to see Him

I promise you that He still cares

When the waves are taking you under

Hold on just a little bit longer

He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger

The pain ain't gonna last forever

And things can only get better

Believe me

This is gonna make you stronger

Gonna make you stronger, stronger, stronger

Believe me, this is gonna make you ...

Try and do the best you can

Hold on and let Him hold your hand

And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus

Oh, lift your head it's gonna end

God's right there

Even when you just can't feel Him

I promise you that He still cares

'Cause if He started this work in your life

He will be faithful to complete it

If only you believe it

He knows how much it hurts

And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

When the waves are taking you under

Hold on just a little bit longer

He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger

The pain ain't gonna last forever

In time it's gonna get better

Believe me

This is gonna make you stronger."

"I was so helpless

Where did the light go

I had no hope left

Deep down in my soul

I was watchin'

I was waitin'

I was prayin'

I was stayin' down on my knees

That's right where You found me

My Deliverer, You rescued me from all that held me captive

My Deliverer, You set me free

Now I'm alive and I can live

So every moment I will give you praise

My Deliverer

Ooh my Deliverer

There's no pretending

I can't do it myself

I'm so dependent

Lord I need Your help

I'll be watchin'

I'll be waitin'

I'll be prayin'

I'll be stayin' down on my knees

That's right where You'll find me

My Deliverer, You rescued me from all that held me captive

My Deliverer, You set me free

Now I'm alive and I can live

And every moment I will give you praise

La la la la la I need You

You know whatever I'm goin' through

I'll be watchin'

I'll be waitin'

I'll be prayin'

I'll be stayin' down on my knees

That's right where You'll find me

My Deliverer, You rescued me from all that held me captive

My Deliverer, You set me free

Now I can live

My Deliverer, I'm no longer captive

My Deliverer, You gave Your life that I might live

So every moment I will give you praise

Yeah my Deliverer

I'm gonna give You praise

I'm gonna give You praise

My Deliverer."

Such powerful and encouraging words! I love how relatable they are: We've all been in a position like ones that she mentioned in these songs, and every single time, God is there! To lift us up, to empower us, to keep us going. He is always with us!

Now, I would LOVE for you to suggest a song for next weeks Inspiration By Song! Let us be inspired by your favorite song! I want to hear the music that empowers and encourages you! Please add a link to a song you would like to see in an future Inspiration By Song to the linky at the bottom of this post. I promise that I will feature every single song that gets linked up, 2 at a time!

One Step At A Time {Plus Inspiration By Song!}

I am a contemporary Christian music lover. 


That's basically all I listen to!Well, that and Sara Barielles, Michael Buble, Jason Mraz, Ingrid Michaelson, you know. It's so uplifting! I love Christian rock, Worship and praise songs, anything of that nature. 


That's me, though. My parents, my sister? I don't think they've ever listened to a Chris Tomlin song in their life!  My mom loves 80's rock, my dad loves Elvis, 50's, 60's, 70's rock, and more recently he's had an obsession with country music (bleh. HATE country.) My sister is a teenager so she loves all the popular music, like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Kesha, etc. (a.k.a all the artists I can't stand to listen to, because almost all the lyrics and videos are just so inappropriate!)


I've learned to just deal with listening to the music my family likes, because none of them are interested in Christian music in any way. Today, I was with my dad and my sister and I heard a song start. This song was not anything I'd ever heard my sister listening to. As I took in the lyrics, I realized it was a Christian song! A very contemporary Christian rock song. And I loved it! During the commercial break, I found out that we were actually listening to a Christian station. The next song was even more amazing! 


After those to songs, our car ride was over. I was so pleasantly surprised. I don't think they even realized we were listening to Christian music, but I did and it made my day. All of my family is Catholic, but basically that's just a title. If someone asks what religion they are, they can say, "Catholic", but my parents or my sister don't even go to church. I'm the reason for that. I pushed away God and religion so much as a child that I pushed it out of our lives for good. I would cry when my parents wanted my to go to church, and one year for about a month, church became punishment. My parents wanted me to change my attitude so they made us start going to church for a month, at which point I convinced them to stop. When, I was 13, everything changed for me. I accepted Christ into my life, and it's been that way ever since. I know that I'm the one who drove my family from God, and I've always regretted that! You can't force someone to believe in God, so I haven't. I've gone on becoming a "Strong Christian" while my family has just stayed put.

I've always prayed that they would eventually embrace this aspect of their lives again. So maybe the Christian music we listened to today was just a coincidence. Probable even. But with our God, ANYTHING is possible. So maybe this was more than just coincidence. I like to think of it as a step in the right direction, toward my family becoming a strong, close-knitted, Christian family who prays together, worships our glorious God together, and even goes to church together! Here's to new beginnings. :)


One of my favorite verses ever: 


Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! {2 Corinthians 5:7}

For our inspiration by song this week, I'm sure you can guess what our 2 songs are. Yes, listen to the 2 songs that I heard on our car radio today, and that just might be the first few steps of a wonderful journey. 

Be blessed on this beautiful day, sweet friend!

Inspiration By Song

Today is a beautiful day. The sun is shining, and His grace is evident all around! Enjoy this Sunday; it's never going to come around again! Just be blessed and enjoy this wonderful life you've been given. :)


Here are 2 awesome songs to get you into a gracious and empowered mood, which will match the day perfectly! Enjoy!


Plus... who doesn't love Steven Curtis Chapman and Mandisa? Well, maybe it's just me, but I'm in love with these too!



"The long-awaited rains have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground
and carved their way to where the wild and rushing river can be found
And like the rains I have been carried here to where the river flows, yeah
My heart is racin' and my knees are weak as I walk to the edge
I know there is no turning back once my feet have left the ledge
And in the rush I hear a voice, it's telling me it's time to
Take the leap of faith
So here I go

I'm diving in
I'm going deep
In over my head I wanna be
Caught in the rush
Lost in the flow
In over my head I wanna go
The river's deep
The river's wide
The river's water is alive
So sink or swim
I'm diving in
I'm diving in

There is a supernatural power in this mighty river's flow
It can bring the dead to life, and it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing worth livin' and worth dyin' for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand, we'll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go!"




"I was so helpless 
Where did the light go 
I had no hope left 
Deep down in my soul 
I was watchin' 
I was waitin' 
I was prayin' 
I was stayin' down on my knees 
That's right where You found me 

My Deliverer, You rescued me from all that held me captive 
My Deliverer, You set me free 
Now I'm alive and I can live 
So every moment I will give you praise 
My Deliverer 
Ooh my Deliverer 

There's no pretending 
I can't do it myself 
I'm so dependent 
Lord I need Your help 
I'll be watchin' 
I'll be waitin' 
I'll be prayin' 
I'll be stayin' down on my knees 
That's right where You'll find me 

My Deliverer, You rescued me from all that held me captive 
My Deliverer, You set me free 
Now I'm alive and I can live 
And every moment I will give you praise 

La la la la la I need You 
You know whatever I'm goin' through 
I'll be watchin' 
I'll be waitin' 
I'll be prayin' 
I'll be stayin' down on my knees 
That's right where You'll find me 

My Deliverer, You rescued me from all that held me captive 
My Deliverer, You set me free 
Now I can live 
My Deliverer, I'm no longer captive 
My Deliverer, You gave Your life that I might live 
So every moment I will give you praise 
Yeah my Deliverer 
I'm gonna give You praise 
I'm gonna give You praise 
My Deliverer."

Inspiration by Mom

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,

Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,

But only one mother the wide world over.

~George Cooper

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

My mom is awesome. She is funny, sweet, supportive, all the best things you could ask for. 

I know that for years she has gone under appreciated by me, but I hope she has never felt unloved! 

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. " ~Tenneva Jordan

I feel so lucky and blessed to have such a great mom. In honor of her, this weeks inspiration by song will be her 2 favorite songs! Now, let me warn you: Our music tastes could not be more different! I basically only listen to modern Christian music (Like our typical Inspiration By Songs), but my mom... she likes 80's rock!

Maybe I'm not a big fan of these songs, but no matter what, I'll always be a big fan of my mom. :)

Love you mom!!!

Praying that all of you and your moms/children have a wonderful, special, Mother's Day 2011!

Blessings!

Sydney

Inspiration By Song

{Thanks to the one and only totally amazing Melanie for this beautiful button!}

Happy Easter!

Well, Almost...

I usually post our usual Inspiration By Song bright and early Sunday morning, but this week is a little different. Instead of in the morning, we will be inspired tonight by our God's amazing grace. As we think about Jesus, who was crucified so that sinners like you and I could live freely, let's uncover the true meaning of Easter. {And trust me, it has absolutely nothing to do with bunnies, as cute as they may be!}

This first song, called "Why" by Nicole Norderman, is absolutely breathtaking. It really makes you realize what a huge sacrifice Christ made for us. All out of His intense love for us, even though we are sinners. I hope you'll listen and take in the meaning.

The second song is an old favorite: "Amazing Grace" by Chris Tomlin. I LOVE this song. Oh, if only we knew how amazing, magical, undeserved, and miraculous His grace really is...





Enjoy, Dear friends! I pray that you have a wonderful day tomorrow, celebrating our mighty saviors Resurrection. Rejoice!!! Scream it out to the world! He has risen (well, in the morning, that is.)

Tomorrow morning, expect a big, love filled, humble Resurrection post. Don't we all look forward to this day more than any other?

Your sister in Christ,

Inspiration By Song

Hi! It's bright and early on A Sunday morning. The sun is shining, and the sky is the limit! Purpsoe to be thankful this morning. Thankful for all the many blessing in your life, and thankful for your savior! I know I'm giving thanks. To start you off on the right track with a beautiful attitude and purpose for the week, here is your weekly inspiration fix (in song form, of course!). i was going to pull 2 songs from the amazing list my blogging friends have helped me out with, but God had a different plan for this morning. I stumbled upon Emily's beautiful blog, and fell in love with 2 songs on her playlist.I seriosuly adore these songs right now. They reflect just the way I'm feeling! SO beautiful, SO inspiring, SO uplifting! Enjoy, sweet friends!

"I may never climb a mountain
So I can see the world from there
I may never ride the waves
And taste the salty ocean air
Or build a bridge
That will last a hundred years
But no matter where the road leads
One thing is always clear

I am blessed, I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
'Til I lay my head to rest
I feel You near me
You soothe me when I'm weary
Oh Lord for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed

All along the road less traveled
I have crawled and I have run
I have wandered through the wind and rain
Until I found the sun
The watching eyes ask me why
I walk this narrow way
I will gladly give the reason
For the hope I have today

I am blessed, I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
'Til I lay my head to rest
I feel You near me
You soothe me when I'm weary
Oh Lord for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed

You've given me joy
You've given me love
You give me strength
When I want to give up
You came from heaven
To rescue my soul
This is the reason I know, I know

I am blessed, I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
'Til I lay my head to rest
I feel You near me
You soothe me when I'm weary
Oh Lord for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed."

"There's a voice that cries out in the silence,
searching for a heart that will love him,
longing for a child that will give him their all,
give it all, he wants it all

And there's a God that walks over the earth,
he's searching for a heart that is desperate,
And longing for a child that will give him their all,
give it all, he wants it all

And he says, love me, love me with your whole heart
he wants it all today
serve me, serve me with your life now
he wants it all today
bow down, let go of your idols
he wants it all today (x3)
He wants it all

There's a God that walks over the earth,
he's searching for a heart that is desperate,
longing for a child that will give him their all,
give it all, he wants it all

And he says, love me, love me with your whole heart
he wants it all today
serve me, serve me with you life now
he wants it all today
bow down, let go of your idols
he wants it all today (x3)
He wants it

Oh oh oh, all of you, more of you
wants it all today oh oh oh (whole thing x3)
Today, today

he wants it all today, he wants is all today
so give it all

There's a voice that cries out in the silence,
searching for a heart that will love him,
longing for a child that will give him their all,
give it all

He wants it all."


You don't even know how much i am loving these 2 songs right now, I hope you thoroughly enjoyed them. More to come next week!

Be Blessed!

Inspiration By Song

Happy Sunday! As we step into another brilliant and exciting week of following Christ, I wanted to provide you with some food for thought. Musical food for thought, of course! I have PJ to thank for the first song (I LOVE Laura Story, but I had somehow never heard it until she suggested it!) and Sadie to thank for the second (I've loved it forever, but I've just never featured it!)



"We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home,
It's not our home

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise."








"Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…"


Blessings!

Inspiration By Song

I hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday! To add to the happiness of a bright new day, we have 2 great songs to inspire us! A big huge thanks to Rebecca for the first song (which I am totally in love with now!), and to both Stephanie and Rebecca (different Rebecca!) for the second beautiful song!






I'm letting the music speak for itself today. No commentary, but let me just say...

I LOVE GOD! 
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

Blessings!

Inspiration By Song

Today, we have some really great inspiration to get us thinking. Currently, I am giving away a copy of my favorite book, Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman. Go enter! You've heard me rant and rave about Mary Beth and her book. Now, it's time for me to rant and rave about Mary Beth's husband, Steven Curtis Chapman, and his beautiful, breathtaking, moving music.




She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

You don't even know just how much I adore that song. It's even better when you know the meaning behind it! It is just so so sweet. "So I will dance with Cinderella, while she is here in my arms..."






I can see the tears filling Your eyes
And I know where they're coming from
They're coming from a heart that's broken in two
By what you don't see
The person in the mirror
Doesn't look like the magazine
Oh, but when I look at you it's clear to me that...

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

Never has there been and never again
Will there be another you
Fashioned by God's hand
And perfectly planned
To be just who you are
And what He's been creating
Since the first beat of your heart
Is a living breathing priceless work of art and...

Just look at you
You're a wonder in the making
Oh, and God's not through, no
In fact, He's just getting started and…

How empowering! What a nice reminder: No matter what other people say about us, or even what we think of ourselves, God thinks of us a perfect. "You're a masterpiece, That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God"

Blessings!


P.S: Do you have a song that inspires you? 2 songs? Starting next week, these will no longer be my inspirational song picks; they will be yours! Please leave a comment and include the songs you would like to see in next weeks Inspiration By Song feature. I can't wait to listen to them!

Inspiration By Song

Today, we are getting our inspiration from two wonderful artists: Amy Grant and Brandon Heath! These lovely songs are sure to get you off to a great start for this week!



"God loves a lullaby
In a mother's tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

God loves the drunkard's cry
The soldier's plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

The woman holding on for life
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

The tears of shame for what's been done
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing
Better than a choir singing out, singing out

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

(Better than a Hallelujah sometimes)
Better than a Hallelujah
(Better than a Hallelujah sometimes)"


What more can I say? This beautiful song is one of my very favorites, and I also love to video. The lyrics are so sweet. "God loves a lullaby..." "God just hears a melody.." Breathtaking.



"I felt it first when I was younger
A strange connection to the light
I tried to satisfy the hunger
I never got it right
I never got it right

So I climbed a mountain and l built an altar
Looked out as far as I could see
And everyday I’m getting older
I’m running outta dreams
I’m running outta dreams

But Your love
Your love
The only the thing that matters is Your love
Your love is all I have to give
Your love is enough to light up the darkness
It’s Your love
Your love
all I ever needed is Your love

You know the effort I have given
And you know exactly what it cost
And though my innocence was taken
Not everything is lost
Not everything is lost no

But Your love
Your love
The only the thing that matters is Your love
Your love is all I have to give
Your love is enough to light up the darkness
It’s Your love
Your love
all I ever needed is Your love

You’re the hope in the morning
You’re the light when the night is falling
You’re the song when my heart is singing
it’s Your love
You’re the eyes to the blind man
You’re the feet to the lame man walking
You’re the sound of the people singing
It’s Your love

But Your love
Your love
The only the thing that matters is Your love
Your love is all I have to give
Your love is enough to light up the darkness
It’s Your love
Your love
all I ever needed is Your love

But Your love
(Your love is all that I needed)
The only the thing that matters is Your love
Your love is all I have to give
Your love is enough to light up the darkness
(Your love is all that I needed)
It’s Your love
Your love
It’s all I ever needed."

AMEN! As it says in Corinthians 13:13, "and now these three remain: faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love." Love is the thing that matters most. I love the chorus and the lines "You’re the feet to the lame man walking. You’re the sound of the people singing. It’s Your love."
Blessings!

Inspiration By Song

This Sunday, we are being inspired by Matthew West. Matthew writes beautiful, meaningful music that I absolutely love. I hope you are motivated and inspired by these two wonderful songs! :)

"There's a child

Been abandoned out on the street

Now she's waiting for someone to be her miracle

There's a wife

Somewhere halfway around the world


Begging God for a little girl she can call her own



Well worlds collide


And colors fade


And a man and wife


Brought their little girl home today






And there's one less


One less


One less broken heart in the world tonight


Yeah there's one less


One less


There's one less broken heart in the world tonight






We are called


To the widows and the orphans


But it's easy to ignore their silent cries


Oh but every single time


Somebody reaches into the darkness


Makes a choice to help the helpless


They let mercy save a life






And there's one less


One less


One less broken heart in the world tonight


Yeah there's one less


One less


Yeah there's one less broken heart in the world tonight






Well the truth is we are all the orphans


But love has left the 99 just to find the one






So let worlds collide


Colors fade


Let your life


Be the miracle today






One less


One less


One less broken heart in the world tonight


Tonight I know there's one less


One less


One less broken heart in the world tonight






One less child without a home


One less birthday gone forgotten


One more soul rising from the bottom






One less night alone


One less child without a home


One less birthday gone forgotten


One more soul rising from the bottom






One less


One less


One less broken heart in the world tonight."

These words are so incredibly true. You all know how much I adore orphans and adoption, so this song is totally up my alley. Be the miracle today... save a life... I hope that someday, I really can. Adoption is my heart! <3



"In my own little world it hardly ever rains


I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe


I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet


In my own little world


Population: me






I try to stay awake during Sunday morning church


I throw a twenty in the plate, but I never give ’til it hurts


I turn off the news when I don’t like what I see


Yeah,it’s easy to do when it’s


Population: me






What if there’s a bigger picture?


What if I’m missing out?


What if there’s a greater purpose


I could be living right now


Outside my own little world






Well, I stopped at a red light, looked out my window


I saw a cardboard sign, said “Help this homeless widow”


Above that sign was the face of a human


and I thought to myself, “God, what have I been doing?”


So I rolled down the window and I looked her in the eye


I thought how many times have I just passed her by?


So I gave her some money then I drove on through


And my own little world reached


Population: two






What if there’s a bigger picture?


What if I’m missing out?


What if there’s a greater purpose


I should be living right now


Outside my own little world yeah, yeah


My own little world






Father break my heart for what breaks Yours


Give me open hands and open doors


and put Your Light in my eyes and let me see


That my own little world is not about me






What if there’s a bigger picture?


What if I’m missing out?


What if there’s a greater purpose


That I could be living right now


Well I don't wanna miss what matters


I wanna be reaching out


show me the greater purpose


so I could start living right now


Outside my own little world


My own little world yeah


My own little world."

A lot of us bloggers have been posting about the importance of reaching out to others and out of "our own little worlds".  Greater Purpose... It's not about me... We are put here on God's Earth to serve, and it's a beautiful thing to actually live that out.  J.O.Y.

Blessings!

Inspiration By Song

I love music. Especially music that means something. I sometime get frustrated with all the popular music these days. That's my sister's territory (She's 11). I can't stand it! Ugh... I'm not even going to take the time to type them all. I seriously cringe when I hear the completely inappropriate nature of music these days.

Anyway, as inspiration for the week ahead, here is just a sampling of some of my favorite songs.

"I left my heart across the sea

Where the children laugh and people sing 'hallelujah'

Hallelujah

Under the sun is where I saw

My father's love, color, one and all

Beautiful savior

Beautiful savior

On our knees we pray

Rescue the perishing

Oh, God

With hearts wide open

Please heal the broken

Give hope to the hopeless

Oh, Lord

Your spirit's alive and he's here tonight

Save us

The joy I find In this precious child

When she smiles

I feel Heaven's light

Shine upon me

Shine upon us, Lord

And I know the last will be the first

So break my heart and save me from this world

You are stronger

You are stronger

Your purpose calls my name

To...Rescue the perishing

Oh, God

With hearts wide open

Please heal the broken

Give hope to the hopeless

Oh, Lord

Your spirit's alive and he's here tonight

Save us

How can they believe
If they have not heard

How can we receive and not share your word

Now your time has come to the end of the world

We will share your love

Rescue the perishing

Oh, God

With hearts wide open

Please heal the broken

Give hope to the hopeless

Oh, Lord

Your spirit's alive and he's here tonight

Save us

I left my heart across the sea

Where the children laugh and people sing 'hallelujah'
Hallelujah."

I absolutely LOVE this song! It's beautiful, especially the video. The pictures are amazing! This may just be me, (it probably is), but I love the way she says "wide". :)  

"You hold my very moment

You calm my raging seas

You walk with me through fire

And heal all my disease

I trust in You, I trust in You

I believe, You're my healer

I believe You are all I need

I believe

And I believe You're my portion

I believe You're more than enough for me

Jesus You're all I need

You hold my very moment

You calm my raging seas

You walk with me through fire

And heal all my disease

I trust in You, Lord I trust in You

I believe You're my healer

I believe You are all I need

Oh, I believe

I believe You're my portion

I believe You're more than enough for me

Jesus You're all I need

Nothing is impossible for You

Nothing is impossible

Nothing is impossible for You

You hold my world in Your hands

I believe You're my healer

I believe You are all I need

Oh, yea You are, yes You are

And I believe You're my portion

Lord I believe You're more than enough for me

Jesus You're all I need

More than enough for me

Jesus You're all I need

You're my healer."

I love this song as well! My favorite part is the "Nothing is impossible for you, Nothing is impossible..."! It's such a pretty song.

Those are my first 2 of many favorite songs. I like uplifting, empowering songs. I hope these songs can be as inspirational to you today as they are for me everyday!

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Tell of all His wondrous works! - Colossians 3:16

Blessings!