Crucifixion

My friend wanted me to put this on my blog, soooo.... here it is! It is a video of me singing at my spring recital.... Yeah. Hope you like it!

Every Season

Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

The Wonders Of Jesus- West Coast Revival

Here is a song from the band West Coast Revival. The guys in this band are friends of ours from California and they are really good. They are apart of the church that sent my family out here to plant our church. Three of the guys in the band, Ryan and Jonathan Baird and Zach Boomsma, came to Kansas City to help us by leading worship when we first started the church.

I hope you like it!



If you want to know more about the band or if you would like to buy one of there songs you can go to their website: www.westcoastrevival.com

Desperate

Hey All!

Ok. I know it has been, like, FOREVER since I've posted last, but, hey, I've been busy. :)
But here is the music video to my new favorite song, Desperate by Fireflight. Yup.

I guess I need to post something, so I'll post this...

Seeing as it is no longer 2009 I suppose I should post something.... But what? I just got back from Texas. We celebrated my Great-Grandma's 90th birthday. My cousins came too. I took pictures but my aunt has them on her computer. So I can't post them if I don't have them... duh. :)

Well recently some things have been discovered about my health and all that. So, we are in the process of changing some things to possibly help. But it has been hard. This song keeps coming to my mind though. I know I've posted a lot of songs recently, but this is a really special song to me. I think that's because this song really applies to my life right now... actually, my whole life.


If You Want Me To
Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I dont know the reason why you brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I will go through the valley
If You want me to

Now I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise
You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my own
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley
If You want me to

Sometimes, I just wish that God would take away all of my pain and issues. You know, like "Why, God? Why me? You say You're good, but why all this pain?" But I'm wrong to say that. God is good. He always has been. Even in the midst of physical problems. Even in the midst of everything, He is always good. Everything happens for the good of His people. That means me too. My good. I believe that I'm a different person because of all that has happened to me in these 16 years. So now I say, with an open heart and empty hands:

Thank you. Thank you for this arthritis. Thank you for the surgery. Thank you for the shots and the injections. Thank you for making me have to rely on You. Everything in this world is deteriorating... dying. It has been since the moment that sin entered the world. Including me. But You, You're constant and perfect. Nothing, not even my failures, can mar Your holiness. And yet, you came down to earth, became a man, and died for the sins of the world... My sins. Please use me. Use my struggles to bring You glory. I believe you already have. But, please, continue. If it is Your will, I will go through this valley... But to You be all the glory because I'm never alone. You are always with me. I gave my life to You many years ago, but I continue to give it to You. It is Yours. Use it to bring You glory.
Amen

Sorry, I didn't really mean to dump all of this on here. But I felt that I needed to. Thanks for listening... Or reading... :)

Winter Snow

Speaking of snow, here is a song that my friend, Marisa, told me about. It is beautiful. The video isn't that great, but it has the words with it and it get the message across.

Thanks Marisa!

Winter Snow
Chris Tomlin and Audrey Assad

Jimmy Needham and paint....

I recently found this artist, Jimmy Needham. I like his voice a lot. It is very unique.

Lost at Sea
Jimmy Needham


How could you see what you see and not totally
Want to discontinue me for all eternity and then some
It bothers me so that I could be so
Completely unaffected when connected to the holy one
And so I sit here and stare at this page and wonder
At what age it will become clear to me
So for now I am clueless to how you do this
And how you move this spirit in me

I'm going Your way
Even though I cannot see in front of me
I'm going Your way
Even though I feel lost at sea

How could your favor be the flavor I savor
When the fruits of my labor are so unfavorable
And old pages are setting the stages for something outrageous
A man who can save all our souls
And you know and you know

I'm going Your way
Even though I cannot see in front of me
I'm going Your way
Even though I feel lost at sea

Ride the wave, wave goodbye, by the way did I mention today
That I don't know the way home
So could you take me by the hand and lead me to the dryer land
So I can finally breathe again instead of sinking like a stone
And now I will diligently and not religiously but affectionately come
Before the throne of your grace in this place and seek your face
For all eternity and then some

I am New
Jimmy Needham


I cling to the veil to no avail without fail
Reaching for the God if Israel in man's jail
Wailing on my knees and hands to draw the curtain and stand
Thank God for bloody feet and pierced hands

Chorus
I am new I am am new
And He says of me is true
I am new

I hold to the law to stop the fall
To drop the ball to fix it all
Falling on my hands and knees if these walls could talk they'd scream
Release him, O God release me

I am new I am am new
And He says of me is true
I am new

I lay by the grave to save to un-enslave
To make a rich man out of a knave but you saved me
O Jesus you raised me
How could I ever return
To things that you told me would burn
When will I ever learn That I

I am new I am am new
And He says of me is true
I am new



Oh, also, my grandpa sent me this link: click here This website fascinated me... What can I say? I'm easily entertained. :)

Carol of the Bells

I know it isnt Christmas time yet, but I had to post these. These are my two favorite versions of the song "Carol of the Bells".

Carol of the Bells
Trans-Siberian Orchestra


Carol of the Bells
Rockapella

My 16th Birthday Party minus the pictures...

I had the best birthday ever! I love each and every one of my friends! You guys are AWESOME!! I would post pictures, but, unfortunatly, my computer is messing up. Soo... I will try to get pictures on here at some point, but no promises. We had pizza and cake, we played "Prince Albert Lost His Hat" and I believe that everyone had a good time playing that. :) "Prince Albert lost his hat and he doesn't no where to find it, number 4 go to the end of the line!" Ah yes. Good times. Afterwards, we had a worship time, and after that I sang a song to all of my friends there. i hope people were ministered by it. I wish that all of my friends could have been there, but, oh well. So thank you to all who were able to come! I love you guys! I had friends from church and from Greenleaf there. I LOVE it when my worlds collide. For those of you that couldn't make it (or the ones who live several states away) here is the song that I sang.



The Words I Would Say
Sidewalk Prophets

Three in the morning, and I’m still awake
So I picked up a pen and a page
And I started writing just what I’d say
If we were face to face

I’d tell you just what you mean to me
Tell you these simple truths


Be strong in the Lord
And never give up hope
You’re gonna do great things
I already know
God’s got His hand on You
So don’t live life in fear
Forgive and forget
But don’t forget why you’re here
Take your time and pray
These are the words I would say

Last time we spoke you said you were hurting
And I felt your pain in my heart
I want to tell you that I keep on praying
That love will find you where you are

I know cause I’ve already been there
So please hear these simple truths

Be strong in the Lord
And never give up hope
You’re gonna do great things
I already know
God’s got His hand on You
So don’t live life in fear
Forgive and forget
But don’t forget why you’re here
Take your time and pray
These are the words I would say

From one simple life to another
I will say… Come find peace in the Father

Be strong in the Lord
And never give up hope
You’re gonna do great things
I already know
God’s got His hand on You
So don’t live life in fear
Forgive and forget
But don’t forget why you’re here
Take your time and pray
And thank God for each day
His love will find a way
These are the words I would say

So.... yeah. I just sang that song a little bit higher.

My friend, Stephanie, has a blog. Her blog is deticated to book reviews. She reads one book a week and does her own personal review on it. Last week, she did a review on Josh Harris' book "I kissed dating goodbye". I was really blessed by it. And maybe that is just because it is an amazing thing for me to see the girls I grew up with writing stuff like this. Steph gave me permission to share it with you so... here! Thanks Steph!

Once more, I love all of you guys! You are my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you so much for constantly pointing me towards the Cross. And thanks for making my party totally awesome... and as least about me as possible! :P

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony by Rockapella

So, I'm studying Beethoven for a research paper for my Comp. 1 class at JCCC. I found this and I really liked it. I LOVE acapella music. So cool... Hope you enjoy!


Beethoven's Fifth by Rockapella

One of my new favorite songs

The title says it all. This is one of my new favorite songs.

Perfect People by Natalie Grant



Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while


There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see out let grace be enough

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

By a perfect God

Be changed by a perfect God
Be changed

Thank You, Thank you!

Hey All!

My surgery went really well. Thank you so much for your prayers and emails and comments. I can't tell you how grateful I am. I still can't believe that God gave me such amazing, wonderful, and encouraging friends to live my life with. My surgery ended up starting at about a quarter till 8. I was actually able to walk into the operating room, which was pretty cool. Most of the time they put you out first and then take you back. Anyways, I woke up at about 10:30. I think it's pretty funny how the second you open your eyes they are asking you questions. I got asked "On a scale of 0 to 10, how much pain are you in?" about five times in the first ten minutes. They even asked me what size shirt I wanted as a souvenir. I ended up getting a large because I wasn't awake enough to tell them what size I was! I got home at about 11:30. I had an ice pack wrapped around my knee for the first two days. I was able to take that off and so now all I have on it is a big Ace bandage. I get to take that off tomorrow. I am very curious to see how my knee looks. I have a HUGE bruise down the side of my calf so I can't imagine how bruised my knee is. The first day I was on intense pain medicine. For the next two days I was only on Advil and Tylenol. Now I am on no pain meds at all. That makes me very happy. God is so good!
Thanks again for your prayers! :)

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow is the day! I will be going in to surgery in the morning at 7:15. We have to be there at 6, though. And that means that we have to leave the house at 5:30... *ugh* Honestly though, I am looking forward to it. Just the fact that I will not be in pain from this bone fragment makes me very happy. God has given me the peace that passes all understanding. All of you have been so encouraging to me. Thank you so much.

I have had some songs on my mind for a little while that have seemed to be written for me... (The little Grooveshark thing will play the songs.)

Praise You In This Storm- Casting Crowns


I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth



Voice Of Truth- Casting Crowns


Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this 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

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a Sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win!
"You'll never win"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth


I Will Rise- Chris Tomlin


There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say, "it is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God, fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

And I hear the voice of many angels sing, "worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart, "worthy is the Lamb"

Bring the Rain

Okay I am totally going to copy Elisabeth, but oh well. Here are the lyrics to one of my most favorite songs. I think that this really ties in with my life and my struggles. I pray that God will use all of my struggles and pain to bring Him glory.
I have the song on my music player, which has already probably started playing it...
So, here is Bring The Rain by MercyMe...

Bring the Rain-

Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that
I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray...

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there'll
be days when this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You, Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of the clouds that may
loom above because you are much greater than my pain
you who made a way for me suffering
your destiny so tell me
what’s a little rain
So I pray...

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there'll
be days when this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You, Jesus, bring the rain


Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
is the lord God almighty
is the lord God almighty



Isn't that beautiful? I want this to be my life song:
"I know there'll be days when this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You, Jesus, bring the rain."