What I've Been Listening To

I haven't posted a playlist in ages and I have so many new songs and bands that I am always sharing with friends so I want to share with you guys. So here's the list of Top 10:


1. Hillsong United- Search My Heart
I love this song because of the request it makes. To ask God to search your heart is such a bold move; you know He will find things in you that are unclean and He will do something about it. But to be so in love with God that you want Him to do whatever it takes is my desire.

2. Marie Digby- Unfold
Marie Digby is a secular singer but I love the message of her song. She's aware that she's protected herself and built a wall so no one can see the real her and she's going to do something about it. It's an amazing song that I had to download after I heard it on my Brooke Fraser Pandora. It's become one of my empowering songs; to just unfold and be open without caring.

3. Worth Dying For- Through Your Eyes
Another amazing song from band Worth Dying For. The title alone lets you know that th song will be great. I love their sound and their lyrics.
4. Matt Redman- You Never Let Go
This song......I can't explain how much I am moved by it. I first heard the song during worship at Village Vespers and I knew I had to find out who sang it! My favorite part is the chorus: "Oh no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm. Oh no, You never let go, through every high and every low. Oh no You never let go. Lord, You never let go out me."

5. Switchfoot- Hello Hurricane
You know those songs that have you ready the dance around in the streets smiling and looking like an idiot? This is definitely it! Hello Hurricane which is their title track is an amazing song that declares that no matter what comes my way, my love for God will not be weakened, or changed! Did I also mention that I love Switchfoot? No, well I love Switchfoot!!!!

6. Nate Fowler- Alive
Mr. Fowler has been on my radar since I heard his songs "I'm On My Way" and "Hurricane". This song ended up on replay as song as I downloaded it yesterday. All I can say is awesome.

7. Tye Tribbet- All For You
It's a perfect party song. It's praises God and makes sure you have a good time as well. I have to say I'm not a gospel fan but Tye Tribbet always finds a way to have me singing his songs, lol.

8. Know Hope Collective- Attention
Know Hope Collective is Mark Stuart and Will McGinniss from Audio Adrenaline. The song is different from their old sound but the song is beautiful. It tells God to speak to them because He has their attention. In this day an age its a challenge to just silence everything and let God speak to our hearts.

9. Switchfoot- Free
Hello!!!! It's Switchfoot, should I have to explain that Jon Foreman writes the most amazing, vivid lyrics that grab you right to your core and you find yourself wondering why you never thought to describe it like that....sorry, random outburst. I just love this song, amongst all of their songs, lol.

10. Burlap to Cashmere- Build A Wall
Burlap to Cashmere is back!!!!!! I LOVE this song! It still has the amazing song that is Burlap to Cashmere but you can hear that they have grown and matured the sound. I was so upset I missed their concert, but this song makes me sure I won't miss the next.


So, that's my list. Be blessed.

"....I'll give it time; give it space and be still for a spell. When it's time to walk that way, we want to walk it well. I'll be waiting for you baby, I'll be holding back the darkest night. Love is waiting till we're ready; til its right. Love is waiting...."
Love is Waiting- Brooke Fraser

One More Day- Brooke Fraser at Highline Ballroom

                               Brooke Fraser live in concert!!!!!Can't wait!!!!!!!!

image source: one21music.com

What I'm Listening To: Brooke Fraser- Flags

Ok.....So, I will be seeing Mrs. Brooke Fraser (Ligertwood) in concert live on November 19, 2010 at The Highline Ballroom with my sister and cousin. I can not tell you how excited I am. The last time I saw someone perform live was Adele (also at The Highline Ballroom) when she was an unknown and I have been addicted to her music since. It's an amazing experience hearing someone live. It's a raw, unfiltered performance that will either have you loving the artist or hating them in the end. So, that being said; I have a digital download of Brooke's newest album Flags. I'm speechless! Maybe I'm bias (whatever) but I didn't think she would be able to top Albertine but I guess I was wrong. I can't even review it. All I can say is go out and get a copy; she sings about different people and situations and it's so vivid that you see the picture she is painting for you.......SMH. I have nothing more to say. I just can't wait until the 19th.
image source: brookefraser.com

I'm At A Lost............

I just finished a novel called "The Romantics" by Galt Niederhoffer. I'm not going to spoil the ending but I actually went into it expecting the worst. Why? Because lately it seems happy endings aren't really happy endings anymore. I know, I sound like someone in desperate need of a hug; but when you look at society today and how they put their wants and needs above others you soon realize that someone is going to have their heart broken as the other person journeys down the road of self-discovery. I have this song stuck in my head by Brooke Fraser off her new album Flags, it called "Who Are We Fooling?" I listen to the words and the intensity of the situation being conveyed and can't help but think of all the people who can sing along to the song as if it was their life's bio. But the sad thing is that it doesn't have to be. If we just take our time...actually act like adults and weigh the pros and cons to every situation; if we did what was right instead of what "we felt like doing" at that moment than we would have less hearts to mend. We would have fewer people breaking hearts (if that makes sense). Hurt people in turn hurt people (someone who has been hurt only knows pain, so in turn they hurt someone else). We need to be honest with ourselves and put the other person first. When we do that, we will have less broken marriages, affairs, domestic abuse issues, etc. because we for once weren’t selfish.

Until then, the happy endings will be reserved to fairy tales and cheesy movies. Why can't we actually stay in a marriage even when the trials we face in it will provide healthy growth down the line? Why can't we talk to our spouse instead of the coworker who seems to "understand" at convenient times? Why do we expect something different from the person who was exactly that way they were when you met them? Is it fair to want them to change when they have remained consistent and you remained in denial? Most importantly, when will we stop blaming it on love and call it what it really is: lust. Lust isn’t forever; it is a temporary high, a drug that we eventually grow tired of or find a way to up the dosage. I think that at the rate divorces are happening that we should change the vows to “for better or for worst, in sickness or in health or until I tire of you.”

…….. Maybe I’m wrong, or maybe I’m right and it hurts that I finally said it out loud. Perfect way to find out if you are in love or in lust: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV): “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” If you can say that you are striving towards this daily; you are closer to love than you think. If you can’t check off 1 thing on the list, then you might want to evaluate your relationship and/or intentions…..Be blessed.

My Top 10 Fav Songs- September

I know I haven't done this in awhile but I have so much new music on my playlist. Here goes:




1. Something in the Water- Brooke Fraser

1st song off of Brooke Fraser's new album entitled "Flags" coming out this month. The song sounds like bluegrass. I love how happy and fun it is. I can't wait to here to whole album. FYI: I will be seeing her in concert with my sister and cousin November 19 at the Highline Ballroom. So excited!!



2. Change in the Making- Addison Road

I love this song. It feels like it was written for me. I love the whole concept that I'm still under construction and God is still working on me. The work is not done.



3. Church Music (Dance!)- David Crowder Band

I love to dance! This song is a feel good, Christian song which is kind of rare. To just dance and not have to worry about the message behind the music is an amazing feeling. One of the best songs I have heard all year.



4. You'll Come- Hillsong United

Do I really need to explain why Hillsong United is on my list? Lol. They remind me of the Maranatha singers when I was younger that my mom used to play on Saturdays while we did our weekend chores. I love their worship music.



5. Needtobreathe- Hurricane

New love alert: I am becoming a needtobreathe fan. I love their mix of southern and rock. This song is just one of those songs that you love but you don't really have an explanation for it.



6. One Shot- Newsboys

Ok............The new Newsboys will never be the old Newsboys or DC Talk. But if DC Talk and Newsboys would have a baby this would be the offspring. The music is awesome. It makes me think of Tait but edgier.



7. Divine Romance- Phil Wickham

Sigh....This song.......There are no words to explain who beautiful this song is. It's a love song to God; but a truly amazing love song that just makes you want to hold your heart when you hear it.



8. Psalm 13- Shane & Shane

This song is one of the songs that we are praise dancing to. The Psalm is a powerful and awesome one. To be in distressed situation and say that you will continue to wait on the Lord shows so much faith in who God is. I hope that I can convey it in dance later this month.



9. Light Up the Sky- The Afters

New song from The Afters!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS SONG! I played it over and over and over again on my phone. I would love to ask the songwriter what made him write the song. It makes me think of One Republic's sound (in a good way).



10. Hands- The Almost

I received a sampler from Tooth and Nail records and this was one of the songs I play every Sunday as I get ready for church. The music, lyrics and feel of the song is awesome. I am definitely interested in getting their album.



11. Never Look Away- The Museum

Also on the Tooth and Nail summer sampler. I love their sound. I am still waiting to hear more from them before I know for sure.



12. Clinging to the Cross- Tim Hughes & Brooke Fraser

It’s such a calm worship song that just speaks volumes in the words. "Simply to the cross I cling/ letting go of all earthly things..." Sometimes you don't need to much music to let the Lord know what you are trying to tell Him.





I am going to try and be consistent with my playlist in the future.



Be blessed.

My Top 10 Fav Songs- November 2009

I know; I have been horrible with my blogging. I’m so sorry. I have been busy with Bible School (which is sooo much work I’m learning). That being said, here’s my list for November:

1. Relient K- Scene and Herd
I love Relient K! Who doesn’t? I have to have them on my play list. Their song titles are funny but there’s always a message in the bottle. Got to love Relient K!

2. Plumb- Hang On
I fell in love with this group when I first heard the dance version to “Cut”. They have a new album “Beautiful History” out (it is so going on my Christmas List) and I’m extra excited over it. The song is amazing. It tells you that in the midst of it all; hang on and don’t let go. We need to learn how to hang on in the hard times of our lives. We seem to forget sometimes Who we serve and that He can deliver us.

3. Phil Wickham- Coming Alive
He’s a newbie on my play list, even though I have heard a few songs. I like the song; especially the chorus. It says: “now, we’re coming alive/ yeah we’re coming alive/open your hearts, take what’s inside and let go.” That line alone is awesome. I plan to keep my eye on this artist.

4. Terra, Terra, Terra- Paradigm
New band alert! So there’s this band….and they’re called Terra, Terra, Terra…and there are awesome! I am sooo looking forward to hearing more of their music and learning more about them.

5. Rush of Fools- Can’t Get Away
I was trying to track down a particular song and I ended up with this song. It says no matter what we do or how hard we try; we can’t get away. But who would want to? I know I wouldn’t want to get away from Him.

6. Dream Pilots- Comedown
New Band Alert! They come from Norway and I have to say, they sound like they are here to stay. Their song “Comedown” is catchy and was on replay for the better half of my day. Lol. I look forward to hearing more from them.

7. Brooke Fraser- Seeds
I Love Brooke! Lol, really I do. This song poses the question what do we leave for the next generation. It really makes you think. It’s an awesome song; really it is.

8. Bethany Dillon- Reach Out
Where do I begin with Mrs. Bethany? Like Brooke, she is one of my favorite acoustic rock artists. The song “Reach Out” tells the story of the woman with the issue of blood in the New Testament. If we just reach out and come out of our comfort zone we will be able to reach our healing.

9. Coko- He Made A Way
I’m not really into R&B, but this song is so good! The song is a catchy tune that reminds you of a very important thing: “He made a way/He always makes a way.” I love this song.

10. Shekinah Glory Ministry- Bow Down And Worship Him
This is the song for the Children’s church Christmas dance. They girls come in after Jesus was born and they dance before Him. I love this song. It has been one of the easiest and hardest songs I had to choreograph. The title speaks for itself: bow down and worship Him. That’s what we were created to do; and it’s the most humbling experience to be before the Lord of Hosts knowing you are not worthy to be in His presence yet He wants to commune with you. Who are we that He thinks of us? We are so

I hope you guys are touched and blessed by my selection. May you continue the good fight and ENDURE until the end. Be blessed.

Stumbling, On These Shadowfeet

It gets harder; especially when you decide to stand for Christ. When you decide to say that you won’t do things like the world but you will be set apart. Everything is a fight; everyday. Who do we make it? We have to remember who we serve, who is walking along side us. Who is this person: his name is Jesus. I am the first to say that the moment I open my eyes the battle begins; to have to die to things, desires, habits that I used to do; that the world encourages is the hardest thing. So when I am stumbling, I go to Jesus. He’s the rock, He keeps me standing; He holds my hand. I hope someone is blessed by this.

My Top 10 Fav Songs- May 2009

So this time I am actually going to list just 10. It will be difficult, but I think I can do it.

1. Let Go- Grey Holiday
I found Grey Holiday when I looked up their song from the Fireproof soundtrack. I think this song is so cool! It’s talking about asking God to give you the strength to let go of whatever, whoever, etc. We all have things we need to let go of but they admit it’s not easy in this song and they are asking for help.

2. Back to Indiana- The Elms
This song is so cool! I am on The Elms mailing list and downloaded this song as soon as I got to the email. It’s the classic formula that I love about them: old school rock! Can’t beat that.

3. Cartoons- Chris Rice
This song is sooo hilarious! I started listening to it because I wanted a song for the children in Children’s Church to sing it or listen to it. The concept is cute: how would the cartoon characters praise the Lord?

4. Yearn- Shane & Shane feat. Bethany Dillon
Let me tell you about this song. I was at this point where I wanted, no needed more but I didn’t know exactly how to express it. I was listening to Bethany Dillon on Youtube and I came across the live version with her singing the song. I played it over and over again. I want to get to that point where I yearn, burn, desire, and crave only the Lord.

5. Everything is Beautiful- Starfield
This song is cool. I used to listen to it occasionally on my cousins iPod and decided I should download the song for myself. I love it!

6. Thief- Brooke Fraser
I am honestly trying not to be a sickening romantic but I absolutely love this song. I am going to admit that I love Brooke Fraser Ligertwood’s songwriting but this song is so beautiful. It’s about the guy being the thief and breaking into her heart…..sigh.

7. I’ll Love You So- Above the Golden State
Now I am so surprised why I didn’t add this song before. I love this band! They remind me of The Beach Boys but updated, hotter and better yet: Christian. The song is saying that he will continue to love Him.

8. I’m Letting Go- Francesca Battistelli
She’s a new artist on my radar. I love her deep scratchy like voices. The song is what I needed to hear as I made the change into my new room. It is about letting go and letting God. I feel we don’t do it enough.

9. Open Skies- David Crowder Band
This song is rather old but it makes me feel so good whenever I hear it. I love this band; they make the worship experience an awesome one. I would love to go to one of their concerts.

10. Undo- Rush of Fools
This song is an honest expression of someone who realizes they are nothing without Jesus love and grace. We have to ask God everyday to constantly undo us and let Him work in our lives instead.

Be blessed.

Favorite Blogs

Every morning, it’s the same thing. I read my Daily Bread, read my Bible for the text that is in the Daily Bread, look up the verse in the Amplified and NIV version, and figure out what I am going to blog about while I read my favorite blogs. So, I decided to share them with you. I think it’s very hard to find a blog for our generation of Christians these days. Either they’re far left or far right. I am the kind of person who wants to read about how God affects your outlook on life, and everything in between. I am trying to figure out how to share everything because I feel that by me being open I might be able to help someone in the same situation as me. That being said let me list my favorite blogs and tell you why I love them. Hopefully you will share in the addiction with me. (They’re not listed in any order.)

1. The Scottish Wisdom (http://www/thescottishwisdom.blogspot.com)
I love this blog because of David’s (the blogger) hilarious topics as well as his blogs that make you think. David is a Christian (He’s a Bible School student) and a musician as well. It’s interesting to see what goes on in the mind of an artist.

2. Girly Girl (http://girlygirl.typepad.com/girly_girl)
This blog belongs to Kristin Billberbeck (author of The Ashley Stockingdale Series). She is a Christian Chick Lit writer, so in lame man terms: I LOVE HER! I love her sense of humor, her honestly about topics that happen in everyday America, I just love HER. The fact that she’s so open about everyday experiences, her minor shopping addiction, her kids, and her opinion of TV (especially American Idol) makes me like her so much more.


3. Bethany Dillon (http://bethanydillon.sparrowrecords.com; http://www.myspace.com/bethanydillonmusic)
Bethany is one of those rare, one of a kind people. You can’t help but love her.
From her music, you can tell she is love with God and wants to make music that shows that. Bethany’s blog is a funny, laid back type of journal. Its like she is talking to her friends and updating you on what you miss. (It’s not updated daily.)

4. Brooke Fraser (http://www.myspace.com/brookefraser; http://www.brookefraser.com/blog )
Okay, I will probably one day not love talking about her as much as I do now…but I highly doubt that. Any who, Brooke doesn’t blog daily. Her blog is more occasional and I like what she talks about. She talks about various topics: concerts she went to, her husband, writing her album, touring, etc.

5. Apricot Tea (http://apricot-tea.com)
Okay, this is the only secular blog I read. I like her blog because she’s a fashion addict like me. She talks about marriage, fashion, her family, experience, etc. She is honest and open about a lot of things. That’s why I like her.

6. Christa Ann Banister (http://christabanister.typepad.com/heythereitschrista)
Christa is another Christian Chick Lit writer (Around the World in 80 Dates & Blessed Are the Meddlers). She writes for magazines and gives reviews on movies and music. She makes you look forward to her blogs.

7. Erynn Mangum (http://www.erynnm.blogspot.com)
I love Erynn! She’s a Christian Chick Lit author that makes me excited that there’s someone out there who writes for Christians. Her humor is very much like mine and I love her characters. Any who, her blog is very hilarious! I love her sense of humor. She also throws in Bible verses, reflective thoughts, etc.

My Top 10 Fav Songs- April 2009

Now with all my talk of Brooke Fraser, you know she will have at least 5 songs on my list, lol. But I love to share what I call my life soundtrack; it you a better idea of what I have been thinking and mediating on during the month.

1. Albertine, Shadowfeet, Love Is Waiting, Lifeline, Honest- Brooke Fraser
Albertine- is a story about Rwanda; it is such a moving song and makes you want to make a difference in the world.
Shadowfeet- is about staying in Jesus in the midst of it all. I listened to this song practically 3 times a day! I love that confidence in knowing that no matter what we are standing on the firm foundation that is Christ Jesus.
Love Is Waiting- This song is an encouraging song for me because it tells you not to rush love; its waiting on you for the perfect time and season. It will be amazing and worth the wait.
Lifeline- I was at a point when I was feeling the tug of separation between me and the Lord. I felt like I was unintentionally drifting away. The song made me evaluate where I stood.


2. Hosanna- Hillsong United
This song is an amazing worship song. I love it! It just makes me want to close my eyes and sing (off-key) out loud! Lol. It’s a plus that Brooke Fraser wrote the lyrics.

3. Invisible- Kierra KiKi Sheard
I like this song because it speaks about humbling yourself and letting the Lord shine through to be the star of the show. It’s not about us; but about Jesus.

4. Learning to Breath- Switchfoot
Do I seriously need to say why I love this song? It’s Switchfoot for one, and second the song has been a fav of mine for years. Its about learning how to do everything with Jesus; we are so used to it being about us but when you accept Him you have to learn how to do it all from scratch.

5. While I’m Waiting- John Waller
So I haven’t seen Fire Proof yet, but this song is AMAZING! How many of us can say while we are waiting on God we are still working, giving our all to Him? It’s an honest song; in the hard times, when we are happy or sad; we will still keep waiting on Him to reach that next level.

6. My Day- Canton Jones
I love this song! It’s like a declaration song to me. My favorite verse says: “I will not wait for anything to happen, I will take an action”. How cool is that!

7. On the Way- Elizabeth Hunnicutt
I found out about this artist from a fellow blogger http://thescottishwisdom.blogspot.com (The Scottish Wisdom). She has this folk/acoustic rock feel to her but she sounds like a young Twila Paris. The song talks about along the way (the walk in Christ) we are learning, we are taking each step, discovering ourselves along the way.

8. Rock What You Got- Superchick
Superchick Rocks! This song is a great feel good song that helps me become more energized on those days when I don’t want to get out of bed. It’s telling you to be yourself, and don’t change for anyone.

9. Give Me Your Eyes- Brandon Heath
This song is so cool. I love that it calls for us to be aware of others. If we had God’s eyes what would we see that we normally wouldn’t pay attention to?

10. Never Going Back to OK- The Afters
I got my cousin addicted to this song! It’s a feel good declaration song! We are never going back to OK; we are new, changed and everything will never be the same.


I hope you like the selection. Be blessed.

We Can Make A Difference

I have been feeling the need to serve others the longest and I remember I wanted to volunteer with a passion when I read about the life of Jim Elliot. If you don’t know about him, you should Google him. He was a missionary who lost his life because he wanted to spread the gospel to those who never heard of Jesus Christ. He died so that others would live in Christ! I can’t think of a better way to go. His quote will always stay with me: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” His quote sounds like a modern day disciple for Christ. I watched the video “Albertine” by Brooke Fraser (Ligertwood) and it moved me. If you never read about the genocide in Rwanda, you need to read about it ASAP! I want to travel and help others, it makes you realize the things that you take for granted. I have vacation time coming up and with my Pastor’s permission, I would love to go overseas and do some Christian volunteer work. It would be better than just lounging and doing nothing right? And if we are feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and helping the helpless; we are doing as Jesus requested of us. We are helping Jesus when we help them. We can’t minister to someone who can’t hear anything but the rumbling in their stomach. You feed them, and then introduce them to Christ. The same goes for someone who has no clothes or nowhere to live.  I guess I reached the point where I just can’t be immobile anymore; I have to get up and do something to help the body of Christ.

Something New

I love discovering new things. New Hairstyles, trends, music, art, etc. it makes me excited! I was on the train today listening to my new fav today: Brooke Fraser's (Ligertwood) Albertine album and I wanted to see the video again for Shadowfeet. So I was going through her videos and came across a song she sung with Hillsong United called "Hosanna". There are no words to describe the way I felt when I heard that song. It was amazing! My favorite verse in the song is "I see a generation, rising up to take the place; with selfless faith, selfless faith. I see a near revival, stirring as we pray and seek; we're on our knees, we're on our knees." The song is an empowering for the Youth of today. She is an anointed songwriter, and I don't say that to say it. I am very picky about certain songs I listen to, but when you read her lyrics you see she is a vessel being used by the Lord. I pray her continue strength. I am so excited because she is in the studio working on her third album, which means I will be able to see her when she tours the US. So excited!