Fruitful Words » Music

Seven Reasons I am Grateful for Music

susan2009 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:02:52 +0000

Music can . . .

Support my effort to focus on a positve feeling or a thought.
Help me learn something.
Lift my sour, trapped, or depressed mood into one of peace, truth or even laughter.
Expose me to beauty and creativity
Motivate me to move it, move it.
Reduce my level of physical pain and increase relaxation.
Provide a medium to worship God.

I’m very grateful for the above. Why are you grateful for music?

Falling Into Place

susan2009 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:30:47 +0000

Falling into Place by The Afters could be my theme song right now. The divorce shook up my image of who I thought I was, my path in life, my usefulness, and my likability. Was I even any “good”? The world didn’t make sense; God didn’t make sense; I didn’t make sense.

God didn’t try to rescue me from this. He let me do the necessary. He let me wander. He let me heal. He let me discover Him. He let me see that the parts of me (and my life) that had gone to waste are no longer waste. He’s taken the broken pieces and is making something good from them.

And I realize now that all this time I’ve been in His Hand. Things (feelings, job, friends, kiddos, schooling) are Falling into Place. Starting to make sense. Thank you, Lord. Thank you.

“Falling Into Place” by the Afters (Click here for YouTube)

It was raining on the sun
The ground beneath my feet was crumbling
Day and Night had come undone
It was the season of my wandering

Somehow Somewhere
You found me there
It was the moment that it all became clear

I was on the edge
Of a distant world
A shattered life
With no where left to turn
Till I saw you there
And everything I thought had gone to waste
Was falling into place

It’s finally quiet in my head
As I lay the pieces at your feet
It’s finally starting to make sense
I guess I found the missing part of me

I was on the edge
Of a distant world
A shattered life
With no where left to turn
Till I saw you there
And everything I thought had gone to waste
Was falling into place

Oceans that I almost drowned in
I had to lose it all
Just so I could find out you were there to break my fall

Good Words Spotlight My Thoughts & Actions

susan2009 — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:25:10 +0000

Music is powerful. The lyrics can make me depressed and angry or elicit positive emotions and growth. Good words spotlight what’s going on in my heart and actions. They can reassure that I’m doing fine. Bolster my resolve to keep on with a course of action/thought. Or the words challenge me to change in an area.

Finally, good lyrics dare me to grow into more maturity, health, obedience and love.

Somewhere in the Middle by Casting Crowns – Lyrics

Contemplating the below verse . I want to consistently choose the God who is over the God I want . . .

Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense
Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle
With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is
But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle?
Are we caught in the middle?

Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns – Lyrics

Below are some of the lyrics that tell where I want to go with my journey of faith. Let’s listen to the voices of truth together . . .

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of the boat I’m in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He’s holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I’ve tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again “Boy, you’ll never win!’
“You’ll never win”

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says “Do not be afraid!”
And the voice of truth says “This is for My glory”
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Stained Glass Masquerade by Casting Crowns – Lyrics

I am blessed to have friends who are honest about their journey with God. They help me to talk about rather than tuck away my feelings and growth areas . . .

Is there anyone that fails?
Is there anyone that falls?
Am I the only one in church today, feeling so small?
Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they’ll soon discover
That I don’t belong
So I tuck it all away
like everything’s OK
If I make em all believe it
Maybe I’ll believe it too
So with a painted grin
I’ll play the part again
So everyone will see me
The way that I see them

What do these songs say about your journey with God?

Related Articles

The Power of the Word in Song

The Power of the Word in Song

susan2009 — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:00:25 +0000

Sometimes I need to immerse myself in music that reminds me of eternal truths of . . . the Word . . . Rest . . . Prayer. What songs would you add to this list?

WORD

Ancient Words by Michael W Smith

Thy Word by Amy Grant

Word of God Speak by Mercy Me

Be Thou My Vision Ancient Hymn from the 8th century (especially verse 2)

Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful by Keith Green (especially the chorus)

REST

The Battle Belongs to the Lord by Jamie Owens-Collins

You Are My Hiding Place by Selah

PRAYER

Offering (Christmas version) by Paul Baloche

In Christ Alone by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

Praise Adonai by Paul Baloche

This Relationship is Never Going Back to OK

susan2009 — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 23:45:13 +0000

God recently told me through a friend that “It’s time to let go.” Time to let go of my broken marriage. The divorce has been final for years. Time to move past the pain. My ex and I are never going back to okay (as far as a marriage relationship goes).

And you know what? That’s okay. I am finally letting myself wake up and feel – even though it hurts. It’s time to step out into a world of my choosing. I’m waking up into a world where people love and like me.

What do you need to admit? What are you holding onto that will never be okay? Let’s pray for one another, shall we?

Never Going Back To OK (by The Afters)

It’s not the end
But it feels like it is
I’m waking up
Like I’m back from the dead
I’m stepping out
And I feel so afraid
But as long as I’m moving it’s all right

I feel alive
And it hurts for a change
And looking back and it’s hard to believe
That I was cool
With the days that I wasted complacent and tasteless and bored but
That was yesterday

We’re never going back to OK
We’re never going back to easy
We’re never going back to the way it was
We’re never going back to OK

This discontent
Like a slap in the face
Of mediocre
I’ve had enough of this place
This party’s over
And I’m moving away from the frills of you Beverly Hills but that was yesterday

We’re never going back to OK
We’re never going back to easy
We’re never going back to the way it was
We’re never going back to OK

We’re here to stay
This is our time
Our only life
Our chance to live

We’re never going back to OK
We’re never going back to easy
We’re never going back to the way it was
We’re never going back to OK

Time to Pray Away Love

susan2009 — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 06:10:18 +0000

Letting go of my broken marriage is hard for me to do. It’s been years and I still feel connected to my ex.

Albert: Honestly, I never knew I could feel like this. I’m going out of my mind. I want to throw myself off every building in New York. I see a cab and I want to dive in front of it because that way I’ll stop thinking about her.
Hitch: You will. Just give it time.
Albert: That’s just it. I don’t want to. I’ve waited my whole life to feel this miserable. If this is the only way I can stay connected with her, then this is who I have to be.

I can relate to Albert (a scene from the movie Hitch). Although by now, my passion is not self-destructive nor are the thoughts so constantly invasive. In fact, I can go days and weeks without thinking about my ex.

But currently I am going through a Divorce Care group. . . . because I don’t believe that time heals inner wounds. Purposeful grieving does. So right now memories are being dredged. Emotions exposed. Thoughts are chaotic. Tears frequent. Grief is a close friend. I’m listening.

The other day while visiting with a friend, I heard God speak through her. “It’s time to let it go.”

Sigh. It’s time to let it go. But I can’t do this on my own. I need to pray away the (marital) love I have for him. I’d like God to unbreak my heart. I’ll pray for you too.

Live in the Day: a To-Do List

susan2009 — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:39:02 +0000

“It’s not what you did; It’s how you lived.” Great line from the song How You Live by Point of Grace. The song also gives me ideas on how to live in the day.

So how have you lived this week?

In the moment?
In the past?
Waiting for tomorrow to live, create, help, celebrate?

To live in the day means embracing the moments as they present themselves . . .

Waking up with open windows to hear the singing birds or splashing rain. Here’s my variation on this idea. My dd and I have a date to eat in the car the next time it pours down with rain. Snuggling under dryer-warmed blankets . . . Eating steaming food . . . Hearing the drops pound upon the car . . . Reciting rain poetry . . . Sharing the moments together. What moment will you seize today to live fully with ALL your senses and with a loved one?
Taking a few chances. This is harder for me. I am not naturally a big chance-taker and get less so the older I get. Last night my dd and I wrote for 10 minutes on “I Want… (fill in the blank).” I listed fairly predictable things, except for the one about wanting to ride a camel. I need some new ideas. What are some ways you are taking chances?
Embracing the truth. Praying and journaling from two different Lenten Guides (found here and here) are helping me discover the lies I hold dear. And they are helping me to lean into the truth of simplicity, sacrifice, relationship with God and thankfulness. What truth do you need to/want to lean into and embrace?
Thinking about those around me. This week I’ll do that by making time to listen to a few through a phone call or visit. I’ll write a few notes of appreciation and several “I’m praying for you” cards. I’ll pray with the staff today about church attendees, ministries, and other requests on our hearts. “Lord, help me to be open to Your agenda for my life today and this week. ”Give me Your eyes for just one second” and help me respond NOW with Your love.” Shall I pray the same for you?

Look over the lyrics of How You Live. Have a listen. What will go onto your “Living in the Day To-Do List”?

How You Live: Turn Up The Music by Point of Grace
Verse 1
Wake up to the sunlight
With your windows open
Don’t hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress
Use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want
But want what you have
And don’t spend your life lookin’ back

Chorus
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won’t regret it
Lookin’ back from where you have been
Cuz it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live

Verse 2
So go to the ballgames
And go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children
Dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don’t run from the truth
‘Cause you can’t get away
Just face it and you’ll be okay

Chorus
Bridge
Oh wherever you are and wherever you’ve been
Now is the time to begin

Verse 3
So give to the needy
And pray for the grieving
E’en when you don’t think that you can
‘Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
Make peace with God and make peace with yourself
‘Cause in the end there’s nobody else

Chorus

‘Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live

2 Ways I Fed My Creative Side & What I Learned

susan2009 — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:07:15 +0000

In January 2009 I satisfied my creative needs in two ways. First, I knitted a sage green scarf. I love the length, warmth and color. I still need to thread in loose yarn. Then it’ll get packaged up and sent away to a dear friend as a thank you. I’d better hurry before the weather turns nice.

Second, my daughter and I read to each other. We read “The Good Earth” by Pearl S. Buck. I borrowed the book from a Starbuck’s near my home (Olson Drive) that has a lending library.

The book revolves around 3 themes as experienced by Wang Lung. I understand this is a good portrayal of what life was like in China in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s. Life’s harsh realities and fortunes reinforce Wang Lungs beliefs in the 3 themes of The Land, god and women.

Women were simply tools, a way to get what was important in life: material things, survival or release of sexual urges. O-lan, Wang Lung’s first wife, was never cherished for who she was. Her devotion and hard work were taken for granted. O-lan’s lack of physical grace, desirability and beauty fostered rejection from her husband. Sadly she died without ever knowing marital love.

The gods were portrayed as fickle, weak, malevolent, unknowable, spirits who did not love people or even act in the best interests of the people. Fear, anger and despair motivated people to worship the gods.

Wang Lung worshipped The Land because it was . . .

trustworthy
the sustainer of life
a source of dreams, a hopeful future, peace and comfort
honest - it built personal character
THE way that a family stayed strong, united and powerful.

The Land was Wang Lung’s god.

The above 5 bullet points describe what I think about God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. The place He has in my life. But honestly, sometimes I do put other nouns, gods, idols, in the place of God to get me through life. I’ve given idols like food, pride, unbelief, and despair my attention and let them dictate my actions.

One way for me to stay focused on the One True God is to pray with intention. Beth Moore’s book Praying God’s Word: Breaking Free From Spiritual Strongholds is a tool I’ve used to get what’s important in life: a single-minded focus on living life God’s way. I want to live with God’s all-consuming passion wildly directing my time, energy and resources. I don’t want to merely go through The Motions (on youtube by Matthew West).

Hey, Lorna?! Let’s follow-up on our commitment to re-read and re-pray the Scriptures from this book. What’s your week looking like?

I need the accountability of a friend to help me succeed in my One Life to Love (on youtube by 33 Miles).

I need the help of God to live well. Lord, Give Me Your Eyes (on youtube by Brandon Heath) so I can really love people the way You love them.

Now it’s your turn.

How did you feed your creative side in January?
What’s a book you’ve read that made you think?
What/who do you worship?
What place does God have in your life?
Who is your accountability partner(s)?

Choosing 2 Express Gratitude During November

susan2009 — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:43:08 +0000

Fear, losing jobs, foreclosures, families splintering because of the stress, making do and doing without. These are things that America has seen before. So, how do you turn the worst of times into the best?

According to the movie Kit Kittredge An American Girl the answer is “don’t let it get the best of you.” Magic, courage, humour, perseverance, helping others, compassion, gratitude, and best friends and family also make a big difference.

The economy isn’t as bad as during The Great Depression, but I think the fear is as great. So, which of the following are you choosing to add more of to your life to combat fear?

Magic
Courage
Humour
Perseverance
Helping others
Compassion
Gratitude
Best friends and family

During November I’ll be posting about gratitude. Everytime I’ve done this, my fear level goes way down. Plus, it helps me to get a correct view of my world.

This correct view involves acknowledging God – one thing the movie did not mention. “If I keep my eyes on God, I won’t trip over my own feet (Psalm 25:15)” because fear won’t be obscuring my vision. And while I don’t always understand what God does and allows, it gives me great comfort to know “God doesn’t miss a thing – He’s alert to good and evil alike (Proverbs 15:3)”.

In other words, He’s got my back. See Psalm 3:3-4 for one example: Thou, Oh, Lord, art a shield about me. You’re my glory and the lifter of my head. (Do you know the tune to that?) What verses would you include here?

Today’s Gratitude item is that I can focus on Someone who is bigger than all fear and problems. And that Someone, God, is able and willing to help me in this life. I”m thankful that because of Who God is, I don’t have to hide from fear. I can hide in God.

Music/Words to Bless You and Me.

Father, Hear Your Children - “We’re blind but pray for eyes to see. Where we’re bound, Lord, make us free.
Warrior Is a Child/Do I Trust you Lord - “People say that I’m amazing, strong beyond my years. But they don’t see inside of me; I’m hiding all the tears. They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down. They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around. . . Deep inside this armour the warrior is a child.”
You Are My Hiding Place/ As the Deer Panteth - “I am strong in the strength of my Lord.”
You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) – “You’re my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for You.”
Breathe – “And I’m desperate for You. And I’m lost without You. . . Your Holy Presence living in me.”

What song(s) encourage you? For what are you thankful for today? Won’t you join me in my gratitude journey this month?

P.S. Be sure to watch this youtube trailer about the movie. It will make you smile.

Christmas Dam is Broken – It’s OK to Sing Christmas Songs

susan2009 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:37:22 +0000

The Christmas dam has been broken by today’s earlier post. It’s now OK to officially think and TALK about Christmas. It is like it’s the 5 o’clock hour where it’s fine to now have a drink.

My “drink” is Christmas.

Today I’ve been singing to songs on Youtube. Like . . .

1. Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
Go Tell It On The Mountain by Crystal Lewis
Grown Up Christmas List ny Amy Grant.
Jingle Bell Rock byBobby Helms.
Mary, Did You Know? by Clay Aiken. My favorte song.
O Holy Night by NSync (Acapella). My favorite line: “Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth!”
Silent Night by Olivia Newton John.
Silver Bells by The Lennon Sisters and here by Donny & Marie Osmond.
The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole.
The First Noel-Silent Night by Elvis.
Where Are You Christmas? by Faith Hill.
White Christmas by Bing Crosby. Of course!
Winter Wonderland by Andy Williams and his brothers.

What are some of your favorite songs and why?