• 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: “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).

  • Song: “7 x 70” by Chris August

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITh9IH1p-ME&feature=related

    Jake and I was able to hear Chris August sing this song at Winter Jam 2011.  Even though everyone’s circumstances are unique we all have past mistakes, guilt, and hurt in our lives.  There were two simple phrases from the song that stood out to me that night  “I thought the pain was here to stay, but forgiveness made a way” and  “I forgive you”.  We often hold onto the past or struggle with the present.  As humans we will make mistakes every day and hurt the people we love.  I am thankful that we the opportunity to forgive and be forgiven so we can allow God heal the wounds in our lives.

     

  • Family Celebrations: Valentine’s Date with My Man!

    Winter Jam 2011 at Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC!

    Jake and I had the opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 11, 2011.  We had friends swap  babysitting duties with us so we knew the girls would be in good hands while we were out for the evening.   While we were brainstorming fun and unique ways we could spend our Valentine’s Date we realized that it was the same night that Winter Jam 2011 was coming to Greenville.  Since neither of us had ever been to any concerts before we decided to give it a try since it only cost $10 per person to get in.

    After deciding what to do we talked with a couple friends and realized that the concert usually sells out so we had backup plans just in case.  That night Jake picked up Subway sandwiches and we ate while standing in line to get into the Bi-Lo Center.  When we arrived the lines were pretty defined but after only a few minutes it soon became a crowd with standing room only.  I am not a tall person and thankful that I don’t get claustrophobic in large crowds standing because every one was standing close together.

    We made it into the Bi-Lo Center and managed to get front row balcony seats!  When I went to the restroom Jake left a small pretty gold package on my chair……  I hadn’t realized it but he had saved up his money to buy me a necklace that I could wear with the other one he gave me for our 7th Anniversary for dressier events! He is so sweet and thoughtful!  I share will with you in a later post a little more about the necklace!

    We have never been to a concert much less a Christian Concert with so many people and artists!  It was neat hearing their songs and testimonies throughout the night.  The night starting off with Chris Sligh who is from Greenville, South Carolina.  We also heard songs from Chris August, Sidewalk Prophets, NewSong, Red, Francesca Battistelli, Kutless, David Crowder Band and the NewsBoys.  Tony Nolan gave an encouraging and challenging message and KJ-52 was an entertaining MC.  Here are some pictures from our Date Night.  It was a neat experience and moving to see so many people in attendance worshiping together.

    Chris Sligh from Greenville, SC started the Winter Jam 2011 evening.
    Chris August at Winter Jam 2011

    "Sidewalk Prophets" started with their backs to us!

    "Red" had neat fire and smoke shooting through the air at various times. The speakers were blown on our side after their performance, it was pretty loud!
    KJ-52 was a great MC at Winter Jam 2011!
    "Newsong" at Winter Jam 2011!
    Francesca Battistelli at Winter Jam, neat songs and her husband plays the drums in her band!

    Tony Nolan sharing scripture & his testimony with everyone at Winter Jam 2011
    David Crowder Band at Winter Jam 2011
    Winter Jam 2011 - "Kutless" performing!
    "Newsboys" drummer at Winter Jam 2011!
    Newsboys singing at Winter Jam 2011

    Newsboys on risers at Winter Jam!
    Winter Jam 2011 was a sold out crowd at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC!