Daily Inspirations – May 21, 2015
Music For Your Friday
Hi friends. On Tuesday, Ellie Holcomb released her latest Album, “As Sure As the Sun.” This has been a crazy week for me, and this album as brought much encouragement. Each song reminds you of the love of God and to rest in His peace. My personal favorite so far is “My Portion and My Strength.” To preview the album visit here.
If you need some new music to encourage you I recommend that you check this out. Hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing weekend and are able to rest in God’s peace! 🙂
Fall Favorites Day 16 – Christmas in October
I love Christmas music and beginning in October new Christmas music starts releasing. Today, Francesca Battistelli released her first Christmas album and it is AMAZING! Even though it is not time to play Christmas music yet, I have downloaded it and already started listening. So good! Be sure to add this to your must have Christmas albums of the year. Download it here.
The Chris Hendricks Band
Last weekend I was able to see “The Chris Hendricks Band” in concert. They are incredibly talented and have become one of my favorite bands. I was reminded recently of a blog post that I had written earlier about them and thought I would share again.
I am a music lover and I am always looking for new artists to listen to. Recently, I was introduced to the Chris Hendricks Band and after listening to their EP, I am a fan for life. The lead singer, Chris Hendricks, has Cerebral Palsy. He was told that he may never walk, but now as his Bio states, “He goes wherever the music will take him.” Hendricks does an excellent job of weaving his story into his music. One of my favorite songs from the album is called “Affliction.” Chris says that this song tells his story, and when I heard it I realized it told part of my story as well. The song is about growing up with a disability and how one is treated because of that. When I heard this song, I was instantly transported back to elementary and middle school where I recalled being treated differently due to my disability, and how I am stronger now due to what I went through.
Chris is an excellent example of not allowing a disability stop him from fulfilling his dreams. Through his lyrics, he allows listeners to step inside his world and experience life from joy to pain. This album is encouraging and fun to listen to while still making you think. Check it out for yourself here. You will not be sorry.
Songs to Listen To: Noise and Affliction.
Watch Chris and his band perform Affliction here.
For more info on the band visit their site — here.
Top 5 Friday – Christmas Albums
Happy Friday my friends! I got this idea from Annieblogs so I thought I would start it on my blog as well.
TOP 5 FRIDAY is when we each list five of our favorite things, depending on the topic. Feel free to join in via the comments or by posting on your own blog and linking back here. Play along. It’s Friday.
Since it is now officially the Christmas season I thought I would share my top 5 favorite Christmas albums.
I grew up listening to this album with my family at Christmas. These songs will never get old to me. Actually, all of Amy’s Christmas albums are my all-time favorites, but in fairness I will just list one..haha.
Chris does an excellent job with this album and helps one to remember what the true meaning of Christmas is about.
Beautiful. This album takes me back to Christmas 2007 when I was living in Columbia with Courtney. We decorated for Christmas and listened to this album for hours. Josh sings some beautiful Christmas classics on this one.
4. Celine Dion – These Are the Special Times
I have been listening to this album for years and will never grow tired of it.
One of my favorite singer-songwriters released a Christmas album this year. I have to say that it is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It is an album that I will be listening to for years to come…LOVE it!
A Spirit of Thanksgiving – Day 2
To continue yesterday’s post, I am going to be writing about things I am thankful for each day leading up to Thanksgiving.
Today I am thankful for:
The Bible – The Word of God brings peace to me when nothing else can, and it is never changing. My verse of the day is 2 Corinthians 12:9 which states, “But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power my rest on me.”
My Home – I am so thankful to live in a nice warm home where all my needs are met.
Faithful Friendships – I am so thankful for all of the close friends that I have who encourage, support, and pray for me. They are such a blessing.
Ministry – I am so thankful to be a part of two incredible ministries: Modeling Christ and Devotional Diva. I love working with folks who love Jesus and desire to make His name known.
Music – The right song can express exactly what you are feeling when you can’t explain it yourself. My song of the day is “Carry Me” by Audrey Assad. Check it out here.
Join me on this journey and let me know what you are thankful for today. 🙂
New Music Tuesday and American Idol
Today has been a good day because one of my favorite artists released a new album. Francesca Battistelli dropped her sophomore album “Hundred More Years” today. It is a wonderful follow up to “My Paper Heart,” and does not disappoint.
In this album Francesca gives listeners uplifting songs that reflects her relationship with Christ as well as her relationship with others. Some of my favorite tracks so far are: “This is the Stuff” which talks about the things in life that drive us crazy, but draws you closer to God. Another one is the title track “Hundred More Years,” which beautifully portrays the love story of a husband and wife. Lastly, the song “Emily (It’s Love)” in which Battistelli sings with another one of my favorite songwriters Dave Barnes. This is an uplifting and fun tune that shows their is hope even in the midst of tough circumstances. One of my favorite lines from the song is “Circumstances can change your mind, but time will help you see…It’s love that hung the moon and stars for you above, and stays awake to start the morning..if you feel you’ve had enough..He’s never given up…It’s love.”
Preview and purchase the album here. You won’t be sorry!
Now on to more music news! AMERICAN IDOL starts the live show tonight! Can I just say I am so excited about this upcoming season. It appears they have some amazing talent, one of which is Tim Halperin an independent artist I have followed for a while now. I look forward to seeing how he progresses on the show so be on the look out for him. Also, I am enjoying the new judges. Before the season began, I was unsure how I felt about them but so far they have proven to be just what the show needs. If you are an American Idol lover please post your thoughts here. Would love to know what you think! Enjoy the music! 🙂
I Heart Singer-Songwriters!
For those of you who know me you know my obsession with music. I love, love, love a new album that just speaks to my soul and if you are one of those singer songwriters thank you! If you are a fellow music lover and want some new music to listen that will feed your soul with the love of Jesus download Audrey Assad’s new album titled “The House You’re Building here.” You will not be sorry!
Matt Wertz – “While We’re Becoming”
This week one of my favorite singer/songwriters Matt Wertz released a new EP titled “While We’re Becoming.” This is a must if you want some music to end your winter blues and get you in the mood for spring and summer. I have been a fan of Matt since his Young Life days and his albums have always been among my favorites in music, and this EP is no different. As a fan I have enjoyed the progression and maturity of his music over the years and it has only gotten better with time. “While We’re Becoming” is a familiarly refreshing album that gives long-time fans the classic Wertz sound they have come to love, while providing them with a new and fresh side to his music. If you want some new music this album will not disappoint.
Song to listen to: Sing My Lonesome Away
Get this music here.