Outward Bound...

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"Oh God why You been, hanging round in that old violin? While I've been waiting for You pull me through..."

'Poetry in motion', 'lyrics' or simply 'words strung together in a beautiful fashion'. Call it what you will, but my God there is a deep longing, a cry unto God from this beautiful song by Amos Lee.

Truthfully, a cry I have heard from my own heart.
Day by day I am learning what it means to live a full life, especially one that bears testimony to God. Though in my field of work I learn this in abundance, at times situations in life become overwhelming, thus draining me not only physically, but both spiritually and emotionally. Causing me to realise the need for renewal; a time to rest and step back from what is.

Today, I was outward bound. Out of Southampton to a different city. It was the journey I craved the most rather than the destination. I find when I am journeying spiritually, it is always accompanied by a physical journey, an open road as such; enabling me to put my thoughts together - one of my favourite ways to connect to God.

For some, it is being the company of friends, writing, or another favourite of mine, reveling in in the presence of my family. Whatever situation you are facing and however you take time to disconnect from the daily burdens this world so freely offers, make sure you step out into a personal retreat allowing yourself to be renewed and restored by God.

love & light...♥

Life is Fleeting

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So much in life is fleeting. You've got to pick early on before people tell you, you should. You've got to start deciding what you're going hold on to; whether its that friendship or relationship you're in, or that dream you have. - Zac Hanson

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Matt Wertz

I am so excited to share Matt Wertz this Tuesday evening! I've been a fan of his since he toured with Hanson in 2008! His music is so beautiful, cuts deep to the soul. Matt recently released a new promo EP on Noisetrade. Listening to it only a day in, I have loved every chord, beat and nuance of each song, down to the ones I previously know by heart.

With this EP, he released the new song 'Whenever You Love Somebody' which I had to share with you. Here's a little bit about the song too:

"Whenever You Love Somebody, from Whenever/Wherever, April 1, 2013

When I set out to start writing this new album, I kept finding myself drawn to the singer-songwriters from the late 80's; Richard Marx, Bryan Adams, Kenny Loggins, etc. In an attempt to channel their genius, I bought a chorus guitar pedal, broke out my Fender Stratocaster and started programming drum grooves to write to. I love this song because it really nails the whole 80's ballad thing I was going for- you gotta crank it up Higher, HIGHER! "

Check out more of Matt's music at MattWertz.com

Download the EP from Noisetrade: Matt Wertz 'Collection'

"You risk it all to feel that fire

This crazy falling takes you higher, higher..."

love & light...♥

The Rising Sun

"As Christ was raised to life, so shall it be that every dead thing in your life will rise with Him."

The Sacred-Secular Divide

I came across this talk by Lecrae which talks about erasing the sacred-secular divide, understanding that your ministry in serving God can be within whatever role you choose to pursue in life.

love & light...♥

Link Love | March '13

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We're now in Spring yay! Here are a few of the things that are blossoming in my life (no pun intended)

1) Currently listening to Steve Moakler and Ben Rector!
2) Darling Magazine Issue No. 3 is now available for pre-order here! A little bit about 'Darling Magazine' for those who are not familiar with it.
3) Esty!! Man, I love this website, with all the beautiful handmade pieces that come along with it. Here are a few things that have caught my eye. 'Why The Caged Bird Sings (Feather Earrings)' and 'EcoShag (Infinity Scarves)'
4) Last but never least, The In.fin.8 series at Elevation Church! I shared this a while ago but wanted to share it again. God really spoke through Pastor Steven Furtick during this sermon called 'Why Does Our Faith Fail?'. It is part six but be sure to watch the others too! This video beautifully captures what the sermon is about:

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Steve Moakler

Everything happens for a reason.
For me I believe so, especially when it comes to music and the encounters I have with them.
Today's artist I want to share is Steve Moakler - he reminds me so much of Tyler Hilton. Such a beautiful sound and lyrics. I came across him on noisetrade but this is not the first encounter I have had with his music. His music was featured in 'October Baby'; a very beautiful film I would advise everyone to see!

Here is his song 'Hesitate' which I adore and I hope you do too!

"Excuse me while I fall for you."

love & light...♥

p.s. He does a lot of 'one take' videos. This one is pretty awesome too!

Friday's Wisdom | A Woman Of True Beauty

"A woman of true beauty is a woman who in the depths of her soul is at rest, trusting in God because she has come to know Him to be worthy of her trust. 

She exudes a sense of calm, a sense of rest, and invites those around her to rest as well.

She speaks comfort; she knows that we live in a world at war, that we have a vicious enemy, and our journey is through a broken world.

But she also knows that because of God all is well, that all will be well.

A woman of true beauty offers others the grace to be and the room to become.

In her presence we release the tension and pressure that so often grip our hearts. 

We can also breathe in the truth that God loves us and He is good."

- John & Stasi Eldredge

love & light...♥

The Sweetest Song

I just wanted to share a word of encouragement that I received from this sweet song by JJ Heller.

There may come a time in your life when you may feel like you are not in control. You have suffered loss, or have been praying fervently for something, passionately pursuing the Lord yet it feels like your heart's desire has not been met or you question why these situations occur in your life - why we hurt or suffer.

We may not understand God's plan but we know who He is. Know the Lord, your God and know that he knows you. Know that He is a loving God. A God who cares for us, thinks good thoughts towards us, wants the best for us. Do not grow weary but stay strong in Him. Even when you don't understand or you feel at your worst, that is the time to lean on the Lord.

Like the scripture in Ecclesiastes 3v1 says: "to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven". A time will come when you will reap what you have sown into the Lord. You may suffer loss but know God has a bigger plan and purpose for every situation that occurs in your life.

"I don't know, I don't know what You're doing, but I know who You are."

love & light...♥

Why Does Our Faith Fail?

I wanted to share this sermon Pastor Steven Furtick preached. I was really touched by this and how God spoke through him. It came just at the right time. I hope it touches you like it has touched and moved me. Here is the preview:

You can watch the full sermon here: Click Part Six

love & light...♥