• Song: “Give You Peace” by Echoing Angels

    The phrase that caught my attention in this song was “I will give you peace”.  I cannot count the number of times in my life when it feels like I have more on my plate than I can handle.  Part of the reason I am overwhelmed is because I haven’t given my concerns over to the One who can give me peace.  There are days when I think I can manage life on my own but thankfully He gently gets my attention and draws me back to His side.  He hears my prayers and gives me peace!

    I see you lying their whispering prayers
    I hear you breathing out hollowed be thy name
    Holding out my hand catching every tear
    Oh my child I’ll never leave your side

    I will give you peace when the walls come crashing down
    I will give you peace through the night
    When you’ve had all you can take can’t face another day
    I’ll give you peace, I’ll give you peace

    For such a time as this I have you here
    Chosen for the lost to show I’m near
    Through your brokenness my glory shines
    And through your frailty my strength will rise

    You’re beautiful, you’re beautiful
    Perfect in my sight
    Righteousness adorns you my bride
    You’re beautiful, so beautiful

  • Song: “None But Jesus” by Hillsong

    Life has a way of getting cluttered…….and many times with great activities.  How many times this week have I spent “in the quiet” and “in the stillness” with God?  He has given so much for me, how can I refuse to spend time with Him.  I never regret the times when I make the choice to spend time in His word and prayer. May He restore my heart and direct my path this week.

    In the quiet
    In the stillness
    I know that You are God
    In the secret of Your presence
    I know there I am restored
    When You call i won’t refuse
    Each new day again I’ll choose

    There is no one else for me
    None but Jesus
    Crucified to set me free
    Now I live to bring Him praise

    In the chaos in confusion
    I know You’re sovereign still
    In the moment of my weakness
    You give me grace to do Your will
    When You call I won’t delay
    This my song through all my days

    All my delight is in You Lord
    All of my hope
    All of my strength
    All my delight is in You Lord
    Forever more

  • Song: “I Lift My Hands” by Chris Tomlin

    I am thankful that there is a healer whose love and mercy is unfailing.  No matter what trials you face this week I hope you are encouraged by the one who can give you the strength you need every day.  May my eyes be open, my faith be strong, and my prayers be lifted up to the one whose love is deeper than the sea.

    Be still, there is a healer
    His love is deeper than the sea
    His mercy, it is unfailing
    His arms are fortress for the weak

    Let faith arise
    Let faith arise

    I lift my hands to believe again
    You are my refuge, You are my strength
    As I pour out my heart
    These things, I remember
    You are faithful, God, forever

    Be still, there is a river
    That flows from Calvary’s tree
    A fountain for the thirsty
    Pure grace that washes over me

    Let faith arise, let faith arise
    Open my eyes, open my eyes

  • Song: “How He Loves Us” by David Crowder

    Isn’t it great to know that we are loved by our heavenly Father!  I am thankful for His never ending love, grace, and redemptive work in my life.  It seems like I mess up more often than necessary yet He extends mercy to me every day.

    He is jealous for me,
    Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
    Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
    When all of a sudden,
    I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
    And I realize just how beautiful You are,
    And how great Your affections are for me.

    And oh, how He loves us oh,
    Oh how He loves us,
    How He loves us all

    And we are His portion and He is our prize,
    Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
    If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
    And Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
    And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
    I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
    When I think about, the way…

    Oh, how He loves us oh,
    Oh how He loves us,
    How He loves us all
    How He loves

  • Song: “The Blessing” by Dennis Jernigan

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdn5EtyKXiI

    I was thinking about the wonderful Christmas Season that we just celebrated with our family when I came across this song.  The song is about having a relationship with Him.   It is a great reminder as well as a peaceful and encouraging song.

  • Song: “Your Hands” by JJ Heller

    The artist has a beautiful voice and this song is peaceful.  I am thankful that even “when my world is shaking heaven stands…..and I never leave your hands”.  There are seasons in my life with unanswered prayers for our family, for friends and extended family.  My heart goes out to those who have gone through a rough season recently but I am confident that the Father is holding us in his hands and knows the exact plans he has for our lives.

  • Song: “Praise You in the Storm” by Casting Crowns

    This song got my attention after a recent event with dear friends who lost a little one.  I rarely know the answers to the “storm” that is going on in my life or in the lives of others, but I have the confidence in knowing that God is in control of every situation.  My prayer for each one reading this is that you have family and friends to rally around you and pray with you during your storms.  The storm passes much more gently when you have hope in something greater.  We may never understand the reason behind the storm until much later.

  • Song: “I’m Gonna Sing” by Chris August

    I am not a “singer” but I love music.  Chris August has some great songs and the chorus “I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna dance, I’m gonna praise You…..”  stood out to me because even though I cannot carry a tune God is still honored and pleased by my worship to Him.  He knows your heart and loves it when you sing his praises even if that is only during your quiet time alone with Him.   Go ahead I give you permission to sing.

  • Song: “It Is You” by Newsboys

    Jake and I were able to attend the Winter Jam 2011 when they came to Greenville, SC and hear the Newsboys in concert that night.  “It Is You” was one of the songs I enjoy from the Newsboys.  It realigns my focus and helps me remember who/what life truly is about.

  • Song: “Starry Night” by Chris August

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ee1-qHCmDUQ&feature=related

    This song stands out to me and makes me appreciate our creator.  “The only One who makes the moon reflect the sun…”  In January we had the opportunity to go on a cruise and we got a glance of some of the earth’s amazing treasures.  If you think about it even for a few minutes you will see the beauty of the world we live in.  Take a moment this week to go outside and look at everything we have to be thankful for around us (birds, flowers, starry sky, sun, and so much more).