Fuse ODG | Antenna

I'm never one to pass up a moment to share my heritage. These days, Ghana is birthing a lot of talent which has been sweeping the nation. This new tune from Fuse ODG (the man behind Azonto) is peak! I heard it at my birthday and I had to share. Ghana Love right here.

"Watch the way I do my Azonto!!"

love & light...♥

My New Song

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"Underneath all the texts, all the sacred psalms and canticles, these watery varieties of sounds and silences, terrifying, mysterious, whirling and sometimes gestating and gentle must somehow be felt in the pulse, ebb, and flow of the music that sings in me. My new song must float like a feather on the breath of God."

- Hildegard von Bingen

As the year comes to a close, I've been remembering my favourite pastimes as well as the new things I've come across this year. Music has always been a favourite pastime of mine. Listening to Hanson's 'Penny and Me' reminds me of my 14 year old self falling in love with music and the sense of freedom and escape it brought me during that year and the years to follow.
Soon to pass another birthday, I'm thankful for the gift of music, song, melody and lyric God has given me the opportunity to enjoy, whilst bringing me closer to Him. I've embraced a side of me which I am keen to explore even more, writing lyrics and melodies; not knowing where it will take me but currently enjoying it as a simple pleasure.

On the topic of creativity, I've become a young woman with a vision, literally. Hoping to start a new hobby (once I can acquire a good camera), photography is something I've longed to tried and can't wait to see where this eye's beholder will take me. I've been inspired by some of Rachel Hendrix's work. See here: Rachel Hendrix Photography

I recently had my graduation (see above picture). It was a time of recognition and recollection of the past three years gone by. I don't know what next year and the years to come hold, but I plan to embrace it with each passing second.

love & light...♥

October Baby | Every Life {Is} Beautiful

I recently watched the beautiful film 'October Baby' starring Rachel Hendrix (Hannah).
The film follows a young woman's quest to find out who she really is, after discovering the life she has been living is not all it appears to be. On her journey to uncover the past created before she was born, we find Hannah going through the motions, battling health issues, family relationships and understanding what it truly means to be known, loved and wanted.

Very moving and highly recommended. You can watch the trailer here:

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Elevation Worship

I've been following Elevation Church//Elevation Worship for a good 5 or 6 months now. I've been so blessed by the preaching from Pastor Steven Furtick and the worship pouring out of this church through its members and the praise & worship team. Elevation Worship has a new song 'Be Lifted High' which I wanted to share for today's Tuesday Morning & Tuesday Night music session.

"Focus my eyes away from myself. You become grater, I become less."

Buy the single here.

love & light...♥

TM + TN | for KING & COUNTRY

So, I'm really excited for this Tuesday's music session. Two brothers (Luke and Joel) form 'for KING & COUNTRY'. Here's a little bit about them and the music:

“We want to deliver a message that is about believing in something much bigger than oneself,” explains Luke. “The title track of the album has a line in the chorus that very plainly says, ‘hope is what we crave.’ You can confidently go through the ups and downs in your life because you know that life isn’t all about you and what you do but rather the hope and salvation of Christ.” 

“We want to be known for writing music that is authentic, real and from the heart,” adds Joel. “Music has been a very therapeutic thing for us."

They're also the younger brothers of Rebecca St. James! Enjoy the music.

Visit their website here.

love & light...♥

Friday's Wisdom | The Freedom to Just Be

"I sometimes wonder if we give ourselves and others the freedom to be shy on Monday and outgoing on Tuesday." - Darling Magazine

Sometimes we need to allow others the grace to be weak and the freedom to just be.

I've come to realise when we don't leave room for this we, in turn, expect too much from others and often times too little. Things we could never expect or achieve on our own part, thus unknowingly imparting the responsibility on others when actually, it is God who fulfills all criteria.

Not everyone has gone through similar situations or circumstances you have been in or are currently going through, yet we become disappointed when we  feel as if we don't get enough or the right support from the people we expect it from the most; our friends and family. In this life, people will fail you. Not because they set out to but simply consider the option that they are unaware of how to help you through the situation. It is so important that we don't measure a man according to his mistakes or inability to provide for you. God is our ultimate provider. We depend upon Him, completely, absolutely. He will never disappoint you.

love & light...♥

Darling Magazine | The Art Of Being A Woman

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It is so refreshing to have a magazine that focuses on the inner beauty of a woman rather than that constant bombardment of celebrity gossip, dieting plans and non affordable clothing, luring women into believing they are not beautiful or worthy, solely based on the exterior.

I recently ordered my (digital) copy of Darling Magazine and I am already loving it. Such a breath of fresh air and a definite recommend.

You can purchase yours here! You won't regret it!

love & light...♥

TM + TN | The Fox and The Hounds

God is so beautiful. Everyday He finds a new way to bless me and remind me of His everlasting love. Whether it is through words, song or a simple smile. For today's 'Tuesday Mornings and Tuesday Nights', I wanted to share this beautiful worship I stumbled upon yesterday. So thankful to these guys for sharing their gift.

They're called The Fox and The Hounds with a love for God and a burning passion for worshiping Him through song, but also reaching out to those who are less fortunate than themselves.
Their project 'The Joyful Noise Project' looks not merely at highlighting suffering in the world but recognises that we have the power to make a change; a firm believer of releasing hope to those who are in situations that seem so far from that possibility.
I hope you are moved by this as I was. I'm already halfway through learning this version on guitar. You can view more music here!

love & light...♥

Link Love / 2. Autumn Love

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Autumn is here! While I'm cosying up to hot chocolate and bundled in huge knit sweaters, I thought I'd share the few awesome links I've stumbled upon this month.

1) #SheReadsTruth - Reading God's truth daily
2) Don't Just Facebook Jesus; an awesome and convicting post by Know Your Value | Wonderfully Made
3) Books! Here are some of my latest purchases (or wanting to purchase!)

1. Knowing God by J.I. Packer
2. The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller
3. Greater by Steven Furtick

 

"For man, Autumn is a time of harvest of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of scattering abroad." - Edwin Way Teale

love & light...♥

Josh Garrels | Million Miles

Came across this beautiful song and I had to share. Enjoy!

love & light...♥

Friday's Wisdom | Friendship

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“A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.”

- William Arthur Ward

love & light...♥

Link Love / 1. Oh Darling

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I got this idea to share 'Link Love' through Wonderfully Made, so I thought I'd give it a try and share a few of my 'Link Love'[s] I've come across the past couple of weeks!

1) Darling Magazine: I have become totally captivated by darling magazine and its ethos! So beautiful and grateful I stumbled upon it through made wonderfully
2) Jefferson Bethke || Counterfeit Gods: Spot on breakdown of what it is to Worship! If you haven't seen this video click the links and check it out!
3) Invade The Earth: A worship conference happening at my church in Southampton! It's going to be Epic :)
4)Books, books, books! Here are some books I've recently purchased that I've been longing to read!

1. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
2. Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller
3. The Bait of Satan by John Bevere

 

5) Currently listening to:

love & light...♥

All that I am is dry bones, without You Lord; a Desert Soul

Ezekiel 37 ♥

This worship... a prayer EVERY child of God should put on their heart, to be completely immersed in our Saviour and captivated by our God. He satisfies ALL our needs, he restores every dead thing in our lives! Seek Him, seek Him, seek Him with ALL your heart and soul, and just watch Him glorify Himself in every area of your life, for you to bear (bare?) testimony to the living God!

love & light...♥

The Lord IS my Shepherd...

We can know God's WILL but we can never know His ways and the exact future He holds for us. Trust in Him, let Him be your guide. Depend on Him, completely, absolutely. Rather than seeking for the direction of your life and seeking for the self, obey His commandments, tend to those who are brokenhearted, WIN SOULS for Him. Too many souls are being lost to the world and to the devil and not enough are being won for Christ... Daily, I see this but that is a different story.
Let go of the need for clarity in your life and hold on to trust. You have a God who knows where They are going. Who will get in front of you and direct you - All. The Days. Of. Your. Life. How much more? Be determined enough to not let Him out of your sight.

The Lord IS my Shepherd.

Edit 23/11/12:
A sermon called 'Modern Spirituality and Your Mind' by Voddie Baucham Jr.
I would advise you listen to this if you wish to break free from this common mould of constantly wanting to know God's will for your life.

love & light...♥

TM + TN | "& even now I hear You whisper..."

Inspiring story behind the song 'Come to Me' by Jamie Grace. So beautiful; I was really touched by this and I had to share.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11v28

love & light...♥

Audrey Assad | The House You're Building

"If everything is Yours, I'm letting it go. No, it was never mine to hold."

Christian artist, Audrey Assad. Her music is beautiful, touching and inspiring; 'Everything is Yours' is possibly my favourite track off the record so far (yes I'm still listening to it). I advise you to listen, enjoy & bask in the beauty of her music and the gift God has given her. She has a voice like water, it is so free flowing, captivating and so, so beautiful.

Buy here album here: Audrey Assad 'The House You're Building'

love & light...♥

David Arms | Be Still and Know...

View here: Be Still and Know

View here: The Best Day of My Life

(& my favourite...)

View Here: All The Days of Our Lives

love & light...♥

Friday's Wisdom | Dare To Move

"The tension is here, the tension is here,
Between who you are and who you could be.
Between how it is and how it should be.
I dare you to move, dare you to move..."
- Switchfoot, Dare You To Move

There is NO back up plan with God.

In this life, so many of us settle for much less than what we are capable of being able to do. Riding on those temporary highs or not believing to move into the impossible.
Daring to move beyond what we think we can do and into what God knows we can do takes great faith. Stretching ourselves beyond our comfort zone; so small, into a life full of the possibilities and the promises God has upon our lives does not come easy but it can be done.

love & light...♥

'Cause even the stars they burn.

"And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." - Galatians 6v9

love & light...♥

Feeling Distant From The Lord

"I wish that life could be carefree, sunny, never cloudy

But You said that I would be In Your arms when things get crazy

So when the storm doesn’t go-oh-oh away I have decided to si-i-ing in the rain."

There are times I find, I need to slow down, especially when life is getting hectic, and immerse myself in God and His word. Otherwise, I am rendered weak, frail, tired and fragile. My mind cannot focus on Him and neither can my heart.
I often question: 'What is it all for? The stress, late nights working on assignments. Who am I trying to please?'
These questions quickly knock me back to the feet of God. Yes, it is good to be successful in life and reap all the good things that come along with it, but when it comes to a point that my heart, mind and soul are displaced, when God is not the center and focus of it all, I find myself re-adjusting my priorities and reminding myself of what IS important in this life for the next.

Life is hard, and yes I wish life was a lot more 'carefree, sunny, never cloudy' but without suffering and pain (no matter how great or small the situation is), beauty will not prevail in it's purest form, and neither would God's goodness. I guess it just about finding the balance, never forgetting to seek God first and early in every situation, giving Him our total worship and devotion above ALL things (Psalm 63v1).

love & light...♥

TM + TN | I'm on FIRE!

"You make light from dark, illuminate my heart

It started with a spark, and now I'm consumed.

I know that it's Your will, so I'm gonna shine until

I'm a city on a hill and they can see You.

& know You, & know You inside!"

"14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5 v14-16

love & light...♥

Accepting You Are Blessed and Anointed in Christ

During Evangelism today, a word was shared and it spoke to me. It spoke to me as it is something I have been meditating upon for just over a week now. Accepting you are blessed and anointed in Christ. A moment that has always stuck with me to this day is when a friend offered me a compliment (3x in a row) and I rejected Every. Single. One. Whether out of modesty or insecurity...? Most probably the latter. She looked me straight in the eyes and said "You don't know how to receive a compliment, do you?" I can tell you from that day on, 'Thank You' slowly began to roll out of my tongue and as it did my confidence grew!

It is the same with the gifts and blessings God has anointed us with. I have come across MANY Christians (myself included) who reject, shrug off or take lightly their gifts and blessings, not out of humility but because they themselves are not confident in what God has placed upon their lives..

It is when we begin to receive and understand the anointing God has upon our lives that they will manifest and grow in us only to praise Him, glorify Him and minister His word to others the more, otherwise crippling and rendering us USELESS to His name, just like a stagnant, dead tree that bears no fruit. Sorry to be so harsh but it is true. Dampening a blessing that has the power to move in someone's life can cause you to miss the Glory of God and miss the opportunity for Him to flow so freely through you. It is through the anointing that there IS a mighty move of the Holy Spirit in you. It is not yourself that you are here to serve but Our Father, and Him alone. We need to work with the Lord to break down any fear or whatever it is that is holding us from letting His Spirit flow through us. We need to come out of those caves that we are so quick to hide in and choose to walk the path where we stand so FIRM in our faith in God, that we will not be shaken and nothing will stand against us or the anointing he has upon our lives.

Isaiah 61v 1-3:
1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives , and the opening of the prison to them that are bound ; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified .

love & light...♥

The Lightness of My Soul

"So I come into your chambers & I dance at your feet Lord..."

I don't even know where to start. But then again with God's grace, His mercy, His kindness, His beauty, His hold on me and His unfailing love.. it has no beginning and it has no end. It is what it is. To be able to experience this, to be in a place of complete peace and serenity with God, to be His and only His knowing He loves and cares for you, even when darkness surrounds you and yet continue to have that still and quiet peace within your heart is what I love to call The Lightness of My Soul... a place where I can experience His complete being, feel like my Spirit is soaring and dance at His feet. I. Can. Dance. At. His. Feet. Rejoice and give Him all the praise that He deserves.

Oftentimes, we forget just how good God is and what he can do for you if you just surrender to Him, first. For he is forever Holy and forever faithful in the promises he has upon your life. Even when he has promised us we will overcome our struggles and our storms we doubt Him. We trouble our hearts, mind and spirit allowing our faith to become so small. It is so important we turn to him FIRST and NOT last (Mark 4v35-41). Only He has the power to release the treasures within our hearts as he has already overcome our burdens. YET in our stubbornness, we try to do everything by our own might, with full awareness of our fragile and easily broken selves, but it is not by our mere ability that we overcome but by His Spirit..(2 Cor 4v7; Zech 4v6)

For this, I will forever give Him all the glory, all the honour and all the praise. I will never stop praising him dancing at His feet... because his goodness never stops, so why should I? Whether, I'm up down, left or right (lol) my praises to You Lord will never cease because I know your goodness never fails and the promises you have for me will always stand!

James 1v2:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."

Mark 4 v35-41

"35And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 36And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 37And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

love & light...♥

Renee The Movie | TWLOHA

This is fast becoming one of my favourite films & I haven't even seen it yet. I have been a supporter of TWLOHA for some years now and when the production for Renee started, I had been on/off keeping up to date with the videos they had been posting in the midst of its production. I recently saw this one which focuses on the music in the film. I was blown away at how they had conceptualised music in such a way that it was fueled on her imagination. Its something that I find difficult to describe in words. Music is a very beautiful gift & it never ceases to amaze me the extent of a journey it can take you to. Like Renee, I was once dependent on music and used it as my escape goat from all the crap that was happening around me. Nowadays, I'm in a much happier place & like many music lovers, its very difficult to separate what you see/feel from what you hear. I have a feeling this film will relate to a lot people in this generation, solely on music alone, & hope the story inspires them like it has done me.

"I am grateful to be learning to: hope without expectation & love without an agenda." - Renee Yohe

'To Write Love On Her Arms.'

love & light...♥

Friday's Wisdom | Fear of Failure

Free People recently posted this picture on their facebook. I read it, then I laughed. Not because I found it humorous but because for a moment I found myself in the 'laugh or cry' situation.

It got me wondering how often we tend not to do things simply because of the option of failure or in many cases, the fear of failure. Letting failure be a hindrance, a barrier to stop you from achieving what it is you want to achieve. I've seen this happen too often in many people including myself. Yes I have fallen victim to this many times. I find myself looking back, if I had just taken a step, or if I had said something, how different would things be to how life is now?

After what I had read REALLY sunk in, thoughts began to run through my mind over the many things I would like to achieve but fear and doubt in myself began to push them away, but what if for a moment you let them stay at the forefront of your mind, let it manifest in your mind, in your heart & let that seed grow. Scary, isn't it?

love & light...♥

'Dive for Dreams' by E. E. Cummings

dive for dreams

or a slogan may topple you

(trees are their roots

and wind is wind)

trust your heart

if the seas catch fire

(and live by love

though the stars walk backward)

honour the past

but welcome the future

(and dance your death

away at the wedding)

never mind a world

with its villains or heroes

(for good likes girls

and tomorrow and the earth)

in spite of everything

which breathes and moves, since Doom

(with white longest hands

neating each crease)

will smooth entirely our minds

-before leaving my room

i turn, and (stooping

through the morning) kiss

this pillow, dear

where our heads lived and were.

silently if, out of not knowable

silently if, out of not knowable

night's utmost nothing,wanders a little guess

(only which is this world)more my life does

not leap than with the mystery your smile

sings or if (spiraling as luminous

they climb oblivion)voices who are dreams,

less into heaven certainly earth

swims than each my deeper death becomes your

kiss losing through you what seemed myself,i

find selves unimaginably mine;beyond

sorrow's own joys and hoping's very fears

yours is the light by which my spirit's born:

yours is the darkness of my soul's return

-you are my sun,my moon,and all my stars

- E. E. Cummings

Yeah... I watched Charlie St. Cloud (for the second time) recently. But it is a beautiful poem.

love & light...♥

This guy is on FIRE for Jesus!

love & light...♥

Free People January '12 | My Bipolar Style

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Patty Griffin

Please,
Just. Listen.

I've fallen in love. I've only known her songs 'Rain' and 'Long Ride Home' but THIS. Wow. I've really and truly added getting her entire album catalog to my new year's resolutions. She's THAT good. Oh, and of course I've started learning her song 'Heavenly Day' on guitar, of course!

love & light...♥