Limbs and Branches | Jon Foreman

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Limbs and Branches.

Years out of date, I have finally taken time to sit and listen to this beautiful record by Jon Foreman, of Switchfoot.
A collection of songs that didn't exactly fit on some of the Switchfoot records. I've always found lovers of Christ, who are musicians, poets (outdside of worship), have a distinct and new revelation of who God is in the songs and music they create. It's the way they're written, like an obvious yet hidden truth. It is already evident in Switchfoot songs, I wouldn't expect less from Jon Foreman.

A beautiful record, I'd advise everyone listens to!

"Two things You told me: that You are strong 

And You love me, yes, You love me.

Your love is, Your love is, Your love is strong..."

Visit JonForeman.com

love & light...♥

Violoncello

The Violoncello aka Cello.

I long to learn this instrument.
Just the motion of playing it, is so beautiful
It's sound is so distinctive from common instruments. There is a deep yearning budding out of this instrument.
I have no intention of limiting myself to learning solely one instrument. I've always felt an instrument has it's own soul, just as it produces it's own sound. I wanted to share this beautiful piece with you. 2Cellos cover of U2's 'With Or Without You'.

 

love & light...♥

"I stand undone, and I'm amazed..." | Rita Springer



I wanted to share this beautiful song, this Tuesday morning.
Now more than ever am I fascinated by the wonder of God. It is a beautiful mystery how He is able to capture me, over and over.

This song has moved me.
Each word, weighted.

Rita has a way of letting the rawness/honesty of her worship come forth in such a beautiful way. She is one of my few inspirations. I pray our hearts will be open, coming undone solely for Christ, that He will always have His rightful place, rule and reign in our hearts.

love & light...♥

"For I have kept you..." | Andrea Marie Reagan

 

So, it has been a while since I shared beautiful music. Partly because I have struggled to find something genuine. 

I wanted to share the beautiful Andrea Marie Reagan with you all, this Tuesday evening. You'll recognise her voice from some of United Pursuit's worship records.
There is such a simplicity about her, her spirit and it comes out in her lyrical writing and her spirit when she sings out. I hope you enjoy and are just as captivated as I am.

You can purchase her beautiful record 'Here Begin' on iTunes!
Visit: Andrea Marie Music

"We're all rubies in the dust, waiting to be seen.
Waiting to be clean, just longing to be free." 

 

love & light...♥

Top Records of 2013

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From vinyl to CD.
EPs and downloads.
Here are my top favourites from this year (in no particular order):

"HEATWAVE" by Matt Wertz

"Endless Ocean / Bottomless Sea Extended Versions" by Jonathan David and Melissa Helser

"Jack Williams EP" by Jack Williams

"ANTHEM" by Hanson

"Let It Be Known" by Worship Central

"Back To Forever" by Lissie

"Days Are Gone" by HAIM

"Nothing Is Wasted" by Elevation Worship

"We Are Young & Free" by Hillsong

"United Tenors" by Hammnd, Hollister, Roberson, Wilson

"Fading West" by Switchfoot

"Fortunate Fall" by Audrey Assad

I know this album came out last year but "Battle Born" by The Killers is killer (LOL)! Heard it this year!

love & light...♥

An Adventure in Worship

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(N.B. To be read whilst Jonathan & Melissa Helser's 'Endless Ocean' plays in the background)

"In that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the Lord that doeth this." 

- Amos 9 v 11-12

Worship.
The state of my heart.
A deep movement within my spirit, from the belly of my soul,
That pours out of me for the love of who God is;
For what Christ has done.

The lightness of my soul, set free!
How I live and love to worship You.

So, I am back from the beauty that was David's Tent. What an amazing experience but certainly not the end of what happened throughout those 72 hours of non-stop worship.
The moment Beth and I stepped on the train heading towards Wiston Estate, every moment was God appointed. From the lovely lady (a gracious stranger), her daughter and their excitable dog Maise giving us a lift in their car (though we could barely fit) all the way to David's Tent, to us riding back in a flower printed van with seats parallel to the side of the road (thank you Jim and Natalie).

The in-between was the most beautiful bit. There has been such a shift in my spirit.
With or without intention, we as worshipers tend to limit ourselves in worshiping God. The creator of the universe. A God who humbled Himself so that Time itself and Eternity could hold Him. A God who surpasses eternity.
Why?
Have we become fearful?
Have we become too comfortable?
Have we forgotten who our God truly is, our first love?

Freedom.
The words 'when the minority becomes the majority' became so real during those 72 hours of worship and it is my heart to see this throughout God's church. To see people worship; breaking off the chains of fear, restraint and hindrance therefore truly worshiping God in such freedom. Freedom to express themselves and the love they have for God pour out of them. Constantly giving and giving to the Father while He sings so sweetly over us.
What a beautiful picture!
To know and be known by God in such intimacy and beauty. To stand with our brothers and sisters united in our love for God.

Every once in a while you come across those beautiful children of God, where the fragrance of Christ is so evident upon their lives and I found that with Jonathan and Melissa Helser. Such beautiful people. How they strive for their lives, their marriage, their family and community to be a reflection of who Christ is - without chains or restriction; just freedom.
Make me more like You Jesus.

I can't even express everything that happened during the event because of how it affected me as it was so spiritually moving. Sometimes, the things of the Spirit can't always be expressed in words. All I know is something has definitely shifted and change is here. No turning back.
I am so excited for what is to come and what the future holds for worshiping Abba! May we not be afraid to worship Him with EVERYTHING we have - our minds, our bodies...our spirit. Worshiping Him in spirit and in truth; after all it is these people that the Father seeks to worship Him.

love & light...♥

Visit: JonathanHelser.com
Visit: DavidsTent.net

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...♥

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!

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...♥

TM + TN | Hilary & Kate

"You will come jealous for your own

You will come to bring the wayward home

For your bride you will return with trumpet sound

When you ride the clouds and we are found."

Oh, Oh, Oh, so thankful this Tuesday night I have come across this interview on Wonderfully Made Blog featuring Hilary & Kate, a musical duo. I am so excited for what God has in store for these two. With their beautiful acoustic/folk sound, how could I not be captivated by it? So natural and powerful. Not only that, there is such an overwhelming sense of longing, passion and thirst for the Lord which can oftentimes be taken for granted or overlooked. I am so blessed by these two, especially the lyrics for this song on Hilary's part.

I know it is only Tuesday, but I cannot wait for Friday (my day off) where I sit down with my guitar, this song, lyrics and chords, learning it to the T!

Visit their website here: Hilary & Kate

love & light...♥

TM + TN | Lizz Wright

Ever since I got my electric guitar, I have been listening to a lot of soulful sounds, from the likes of Joss Stone to Eva Cassidy as well as my Motown favourites such as The Temptations, Otis Redding and The Four Tops, trying to pin point what sound I want my new guitar to birth.
I wanted to share the beautiful music of Lizz Wright. She has such a deep soulful voice; one you cannot encounter without your entire being, being moved by it. This is her song 'Hit The Ground', I hope you enjoy it as much as I do:

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...♥

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...♥

Josh Garrels | Million Miles

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

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...♥

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...♥

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...♥

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...♥