Music Monday: {Open Up the Heavens - Acoustic} by Meredith Andrews

I'd like to share this beautiful new album with you by Meredith Andrews.  It released on January 22nd, and I've been enjoying it every day since.  Every song on Worth it All brings the listener to that amazing place of praise and worship -- it truly is beautiful!  Meredith Andrews' voice is stunning, yet the focus remains on Him.  On her website, Meredith says, "My hope is that in these songs they’ll see the love of God more; maybe these songs will challenge them in their walk with the Lord and in turn, they’ll just run after him. That’s my hope.”  I believe she's definitely accomplished that, and I highly recommend this album!  Be sure to visit Meredith's website, where you can currently listen to ALL of the songs from the album, Worth it All.  You won't want to miss it!

Today's song is a newly uploaded acoustic version of Open up the Heavens.  Enjoy and be blessed!

{Friday Funny}

How many of you do this?  There is just something in my nature that makes it IMPOSSIBLE for me not to send another text message with the word correctly spelled!  I couldn't stand it if you thought I didn't know how to spell correctly, LOLOLOL!!  Perhaps I'll get over that someday.  ;-)

Happy Friday!  Hope you all have a great weekend!

{A Quote to Inspire You} by Beth Moore

I can SO relate to this!  Thank you, Lord, that I can be freshly filled with the Holy Spirit every day.

Music Monday: {You Are} by Colton Dixon

Hello, hello!  Thank you for stopping by for today's edition of Music Monday!  I'm glad you're here!

I first heard this song last week, and I immediately loved it. With a little research, I found out that this great song comes from American Idol contestant, Colton Dixon.  I didn't watch season 11, so it's been fun to get to know a little bit more about this up-and-coming Christian artist.  If you're not familiar with this inspirational young man, you can read more about him and his journey below.

Enjoy and be blessed!

Colton Dixon Bio from KLOVE's Website:
Tennessee native Colton Dixon first caught the attention of listeners on “American Idol” season eleven, with his cool vocals and positive attitude. Placing seventh on the popular music competition, Colton is now following in the footsteps of fellow Idol alums Mandisa and Jason Castro, by venturing into the world of Christian music.

His latest song, “You Are,” off his upcoming debut album A Messenger (January 29, 2013), is a worship song that Colton began writing long before his days on reality TV. “It’s a song that basically says that God is everything you’re not,” he explained to K-LOVE. “When we’re hurting, God’s always gonna be there to comfort us. He doesn't care how messy we are, He wants us. It’s a chance for me to worship him through this song.”

Colton started singing as a young teen, and always wanted to use his gift for ministry. “I started singing when I was 13 years old. I truly believe my voice was a gift from God to share the Message,” he says. “I hope that you enjoy my music, but furthermore, I hope you can connect with it personally and apply it to your everyday lives.”

During his time on Idol, Colton sang a powerful rendition of "Everything," by Lifehouse - a song that is very significant to him. "‘Everything’ by Lifehouse is one of my favorite worship songs of all time,” he said. “I was on YouTube and I saw a skit that someone had done with the song and it was so powerful! I can’t watch it with out crying...it’s so impacting! I saw ‘American Idol’ as an opportunity to bring the same impact to the viewers on the show.”

Shortly following his performance of "Everything," Colton performed Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," a decision he now regrets. “I feel like singing 'Bad Romance' was not the best decision I made,” he explains. “Just because we're Christians doesn’t mean were perfect. We’ve all wanted something bad for us. But it probably wasn’t the best message to sing in front of people, if I could go back again I would probably chose a different song.”

Besides making a different song choice, the singer believes his time on Idol was well spent.“I’m so happy with the way things turned out...it was a fun ride!" he said. "I knew God was with me the whole time and it was obvious to me that I was doing what I was suppose to be doing.”

On his upcoming album Colton teamed up with with fellow artists Brandon Heath and Lifehouse's Jason Wade to write music. The singer recently shared his experience on his Facebook page: “Wrote with Brandon Heath today about how if we truly understood the love that God shows us, we would go crazy. In other words....it's impossible to understand.” He added, “Grace isn't something that is normal to us. It's impractical in a practical world, which is why it is not of this world.”

Even with Colton’s mass exposure from “American Idol,” he remains committed to share an inspirational message to the world. “'A servant isn't greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the One who sent him.' John 13:16. I try to live by this every day,” he says. “I believe that I am just one of the messengers that God has called to this world.”

You can visit Colton Dixon's website here.

Music Monday: {You Loved Me First} by Mikeschair

^{We love Him because He first loved us.}

^{1 John 4:19 NKJV}

^{Hello, and Happy Music Monday!  I hope this finds you doing well and ready to get your week off to a great start!  I'm sharing a song with you that I heard for the first time yesterday on Sirius XM The Message.  Thankfully, I was able to push the info button to find out who sings this great song!  It truly spoke to my heart, and I pray it blesses you like it did me.  Have a beautiful day!}

<sup>Was it my broken heart that lead me straight to You?
Was it your broken hands that I can not refuse?
Was it my emptiness or was it your empty tomb that pointed me home, pointed
Me home, to you?
I should have known all along, You're the One who loved me first
And if I had to save myself, this never would have worked
I wouldn't be in Your arms, I wouldn't know where to start
But You gave your life to prove to me what I was worth
You loved me first
You were pursuing me before the world began
Before there was anything, I was in Your plan
What did you see in me? Help me understand
The depth of your grace, God, I'm amazed, God, I'm amazed
I should have known all along, You're the One who loved me first
And if I had to save myself, this never would have worked
I wouldn't be in Your arms, I wouldn't know where to start
But You gave your life to prove to me what I was worth
And You loved me
When I was wondering, when I was hiding
Jesus you found me and You love me first
God of full mercy, take all the glory
Jesus you found me and You loved me first
You loved me first
I should have known all along, You're the One who loved me first
And if I had to save myself, this never would have worked
I wouldn't be in Your arms, I wouldn't know where to start
But You gave your life to prove to me what I was worth
You gave your life to prove to me what I was worth
You love me first, oh You loved me first, ooh yeah

You loved me first</sup>

 

 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

{A Quote to Inspire You}

Hope you all are having a wonderful week!  Sweet Blessings, Michelle

Music Monday: {You Are I Am} by Mercy Me

First of all, I'd like to say Happy New Year to everyone!  I pray that this is a year full of blessings for you!

It feels like it's been awhile since I've posted, and I apologize for being MIA most of the time.  I've been substitute teaching a lot, and then with Christmas and the kids being home from school . . . well, you know how it goes.  :::sigh:::  I feel like I could certainly use another week off, but alas, that is not the case.  It's back to work this week, and though I love downtime as much as the next person, I'm so thankful and filled with gratitude to be able to do what I do . . . it's such a blessing!!

Now, onto the song for today!  I'm not sure, but this may be the first MercyMe song that I've showcased here.  This one is currently on KLOVE, and I think you'll agree, it's a GREAT ONE! It speaks to how amazing, awesome, and powerful our God is, and how the veil was torn, opening the way for us to each have a personal relationship with Him . . . close, intimate access, any time we call on Him.  That's AMAZING, and I continue to be in awe that he did that for me . . . and for you!

Enjoy and be blessed!  Happy Monday!

Hallelujah! He lives in me!