Music Monday: {Oceans} by Hillsong United

Hello, dear friends!  I hope this post finds you doing well, and enjoying the beginning of a brand-new week!

I first heard this song about a week ago, and the beautiful voice and sound pulled me out of a daydream, as I sat at a red light.  I thought, "Wow, who is this!?  She has an amazing voice!"  I pushed the info button, to find that this song is by Hillsong United.  As you may know, the Hillsong United team "has become an evolving collaboration of pastors, worship leaders, musicians and songwriters, all bound by the common goal of giving voice to a generation who is passionate about God," so not all of their songs are sung by the same person.  This particular song features the beautiful voice of Taya Smith.  As always, I pray that you'll be blessed.  Enjoy your week!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;   
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

". . . above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."  Ephesians 6:16 NKJV

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown, where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep, my faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours, and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed, and You won't start now

Chorus

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior x 4

I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours, and You are mine
I am Yours, and You are mine
I am Yours, and You are mine
I am Yours, and You are mine

Music Monday: {In the End} by Natalie Grant

Natalie Grant's new album, Hurricane, is FANTASTIC!  I love all of the songs, but the song that I'm showcasing today is definitely one of my favorites!  In the End has an awesome country, folk, bluegrass sound, and I think it's fair to say that it's one of my all-time favorite songs!  I absolutely LOVE IT -- toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and praising the Lord that we win in the end!  I hope that you love it just as much. Be sure to scroll to the bottom for the lyrics.  :-)

Enjoy and BE BLESSED!

Can’t catch a break
You’ve had your fill of old clichés
Like “Life is hard, but God is Good”
And even though it’s true
It won’t stop what you’re going through
I wish that I could say it would
But He’s outside of what you feel
It might not make sense but one day it will
There’s coming a day, the sun will always shine
He’s gonna wipe away every tear from your eyes
hold on my Brother, things are gonna get better
You’re gonna smile again
Cause we win in the end

Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh

You’re standing still
Life has handed you a bitter pill
Once again you’re on your face
You got questions
Plenty of secret confessions
Wondering if you’ve run out of grace
But He’s outside of what you feel
This life is just a moment but our forever is seal, oh yeah
There’s coming a day, the sun will always shine
He’s gonna wipe away every tear from your eyes
hold on my Brother, things are gonna get better
You’re gonna smile again
Cause we win in the end
it won’t be about the streets of gold, pearly gates
Arms and wings, diamond Lace
All in all is that He’s gonna hold you hold me
Heartache will disappear
Questions will be come clear
Life will all make sense in the end

Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh
We win in the end
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh

There’s coming a day, the sun will always shine
He’s gonna wipe away every tear from your eyes
hold on my Brother, things are gonna get better
You’re gonna smile again
Cause we win in the end

Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh
We win in the end
Oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh

Glory Glory Hallelujah
Glory Glory Hallelujah
Glory Glory Hallelujah
We win in the end
Glory Glory Hallelujah
Glory Glory Hallelujah
Glory Glory Hallelujah
We win in the end

Music Monday: {Overcomer} by Mandisa

Need encouragement today?  No matter what you're facing, God is always with you!  Hang onto His promises!  This song will lift you up, encourage you, and remind you that as long as you have Christ . . . you have HOPE!  Keep pressing on, He's there to help you . . .

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13 NIV

Enjoy, and be blessed! 

Music Monday: {Your Grace Finds Me} by Matt Redman

Good Morning, and Happy Tuesday!  My Music Monday post is a day late . . . well, actually, it just might be a month late.  :::wink, wink:::  Please forgive me for being MIA.  I've been doing a lot of subbing since school started, and on the list goes.  Always so much to do, as I know you can relate.  I pray you all are doing well.  :)

I couldn't wait to bring this song to you, so here you have it . . . on a Tuesday, and it's actually the release day for this album, so you'll be able to pick it up on iTunes!  :)

If you haven't heard You're Grace Finds Me, by Matt Redman, prepare to be WOWED!  This is powerful worship here folks, and it's one of those songs that just washes over you and you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.  And if you're inclined to tears, this ought to do it.

God's grace is completely AMAZING, and this song is a celebration of that grace.  Praising the Lord today for His grace . . . it never ceases to leave me in awe.  Praying you enjoy the song.  Be blessed! ~Michelle

Romans 3:20-24 NKJV

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Music Monday: {Don't Forget His Love} by Ellie Holcomb

Good morning, friends!  Today I'm slowing things down a bit with this beautiful song of praise by Ellie Holcomb.  I first heard this song over at Boo Mama's blog.  If you're not familiar with Boo Mama, her name is Sophie Hudson, and she has a huge heart for God and people.  Plus, she is SO funny!  She has a brand-new book out titled, A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet, that I recently shared here on August 6th.

Okay, now back to the song!  This song's lyrics get their inspiration from Psalm 103, and it's just beautiful!  Ellie's voice is amazing, and so unique.  I've been listening to her first EP, Magnolia, for a couple weeks now, and LOVE it!  I'm really looking forward to getting her newly released EP, With You Now . . . like today!! You can listen to it here, as well as find out how to get a FREE download of the Magnolia album.  It's that great!?  I thought so, too!

Her husband also has a band called, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, and she sings with them as well.  And I just found out last week that she's featured on Christa Wells' new album, Feed Your Soul (track 2, Have Your Eyes Open).  She's one busy and talented lady!

I pray that this song blesses you today.  Enjoy!


 

Psalm 103

¹ Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

⁶ The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.

⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
    his deeds to the people of Israel:
⁸ The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
⁹ He will not always accuse,
    nor will he harbor his anger forever;
¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.
¹⁵ The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—
¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant
    and remember to obey his precepts.

¹⁹ The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
    and his kingdom rules over all.

²⁰ Praise the Lord, you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his bidding,
    who obey his word.
²¹ Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
    you his servants who do his will.
²² Praise the Lord, all his works
    everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

Music Monday: {One Drop} by Plumb

 

I heard this catchy little tune on KLOVE last week, and loved it instantly!  It's a feel good, dance and sing, put the top down kind of song.  A perfect song to get you going on a Monday morning.  In describing this song, Plumb says, "It takes a little bit of good, to do a whole lot of great."

"You know what, whatever was happening before you listened to this, take a break from it, and just have hope for a minute.  It just takes one drop." ~Plumb

Plumb is a fairly new artist for me, so I've been listening to some of the other samples from her new album, Need You Now, and they're very good!  There seems to be a wide array of sounds and themes covered on the album, and I look forward to taking a more in depth listen.  I also read a bit about her background on her Facebook page, which can be found here, and it appears that she is quite an accomplished artist.  I look forward to discovering more about her music ministry, and I hope you do too!  Enjoy and be blessed!

Music Monday: {Coming to the Light} by More Than Rubies

More Than Rubies is made up of singer-songwriters Christa Wells and Nicole Witt.  The music is beautifully spiritual, anointed, and such a blessing to the soul.  I previously posted a song by Christa Wells that you can find here as a Music Monday selection.  I love her music, and now she's joined forces with the talented Nicole Witt, and the result is an album that is Christ centered, and glorifies God, as well as being a feast for the ears.  I highly recommend the album!  The duo gets their name from Proverbs 3:15 . . .

For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.  

You can listen to a few of their songs here, as well as watch videos, and find show dates. 

Today, I'm posting two videos . . . in the first one, Nicole and Christa share how they met, and how they came to collaborate together.  The second is their brand-new music video for Coming to the Light.  It's AWESOME, and I'll let the song speak for itself.  I really think you're going to love it!  Let me know what you think, and sweet blessings to you as you begin a new week.  Hugs, Michelle

Music Monday: {Wanted} by Dara Maclean

If you haven't heard the brand new Dara Maclean song, you're in for a treat!  It's a fantastic song about how each and every one of us is wanted by God.  We were created for a relationship with Him, and like the song says, He made us, He knows our name, and He doesn't make mistakes. Perhaps this is a message that you really need to hear today.

YOU are wanted and loved by the Creator of the universe . . . I'd say that calls for some praise!  Amen?

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

Dara is scheduled to release her sophomore album, Wanted, on September 24.  Wanted is the eagerly-awaited follow-up to Dara’s debut album, You Got My Attention, which entered the iTunes Christian & Gospel Albums chart at No. 1 in 2011 and garnered her a spot as one of their “New Artists to Watch.

Enjoy and be blessed!

 

Music Monday: {He is With Us} by Love & The Outcome

It's been awhile, but here I am with a new Music Monday post!  I first heard this one on the radio a few weeks ago, and I LOVE IT!  The lyrics, the vocals, and the sound come together perfectly for a song that's positive and uplifting!  If you ever feel like God is far away, it's a beautiful reminder that He is always with us.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

Love & The Outcome is a new duo, who's brand new album releases on August 27th.  Here's a little bit more about them . . .

Love & The Outcome's self-titled debut album recalls the highs and lows of the journey vocalist Jodi King and bass player/vocalist Chris Rademaker have braved since departing their homeland of Canada, risking it all to pursue their musical dreams. The album includes the husband and wife team’s debut single, "He is With Us," which skyrocketed to the Top 25 on Billboard’s Christian Songs chart. 

Praying that you enjoy the song, and have a blessed week!  Hugs, Michelle

Music Monday: {Hello, My Name Is} by Matthew West

Hello friends, and Happy Monday to you!  It's officially Summer, and I hope that you're enjoying yours!  Things are well here, and Summer is in full swing with Bible study, swimming lessons, sleepovers, baseball games, reading, relaxing, and movie watching.  Oh, and I almost forget, I joined the gym two weeks ago!  I've been watching calories, eating healthier, and exercising more than I ever have.  It feels great to be making healthy choices!

Anyway, let's get back to Music Monday.  I don't know where you're at right now, but if you're like me, perhaps the enemy has been whispering (or shouting) lies into your ears.  As a matter of fact, just this morning I found myself actually believing those lies.  I was beginning to feel like my old self again, and I asked myself, "Who am I?"  Well, I'm certainly not the lies that I was listening to, and I wasn't about to listen to it for one more minute.  That's when I stopped dead in my tracks, and said out loud . . . NO, I'm not listening to this anymore!  I am a child of God!

The words of Matthew West's song popped into my head, and it felt amazing to get the devil off of my back!  He was weighing me down, and I have no time for that, because I am . . .

SAVED.  CHANGED.  SET FREE.  A CHILD OF THE ONE TRUE KING.  Can I get an amen?   No more living in defeat.  We have victory through His perfect sacrifice and His amazing grace.  Remember His word, and speak it out loud to the enemy.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

I pray that this song would speak mightily into your heart if you're living in a place of defeat and believing the lies.  If you'd like a list of verses that tells each and every one of us who we are in Christ, I've found a great list on Joyce Meyer's website.  Be sure to click here for this fantastic resource. 

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  1 John 4:4 NKJV

Music Monday: {Hurricane} by Natalie Grant

Hello, and Happy Music Monday!  Today's selection is the brand-new single, Hurricane, by Natalie Grant.  If you like a fun, fresh, pop sound with a great message, then I think you'll really enjoy this song!  Natalie seems to be up to big things these days with her music ministry, and with this new single, I'm hoping that the complete album isn't too far off.  I pray you enjoy this song, and that you have a blessed week!

Music Monday: {Don't Try So Hard} by Amy Grant (featuring James Taylor)

Hello! Long time no see! It's been busy around here, but I'm so glad to have some time to bring you a Music Monday post! This is a beautiful new song by Amy Grant from her brand new studio album, How Mercy Looks From Here.

Don't Try So Hard is currently airing on KLOVE and XM The Message, and I think it shares a message that so many of us need to hear.  Praising the Lord for His grace, and the gift of His Son.

I'll let the song speak for itself.  Enjoy and be blessed, my friends.  Happy Monday!



Don't try so hard
God gives you grace and you can't earn it
Don't think that you're not worth it
Because you are
He gave you His love and He's not leaving
He gave you His Son so you'd believe it
You're lovely even with your scars
Don't try so hard

Music Monday: {My Delight is in You} by Christy Nockels

Christy Nockels is one of my favorite Christian artists.  Her album, Into the Glorious, is one of my all-time favorites, and if you haven't added it to your worship collection, I highly recommend it!  Her voice is amazingly beautiful, and she has such a powerful anointing.  I can't say enough good things about it!

Today's video showcases the song, My Delight is in You, from the Passion 2013 album, Let the Future Begin.

It's amazing, powerful worship,  and I pray that it blesses you!  Hope you each have a blessed week ahead.  Hugs, Michelle

***Even though the video says Here I am (Draw me Close), the song is actually called, My Delight is in You.  It's track 12 on the CD pictured below.***

My delight is in You, Lord

On Your word I set my heart 

You are peace, You are calm for my restless soul 

You light my way through the dark 

I want to know you even more

Holiness is my desire

Purify, burn in me, come and make me clean

Refine me in Your fire.

Music Monday: {Lord, I Need You} by Matt Maher featuring Audrey Assad

Hello, friends!  Praying this day finds you doing well, and resting in His presence.  I don't know about you, but last week was "one of those weeks."  Oh.  My.  You know the kind where you feel especially worn out.  The kind of week where you've been pulled in so many different directions, it's as if you're a piece of salt water taffy that's about to SNAP!  Yes, that kind of week.  Whether it's too many errands, too many demands from the kids, or simply too much drama -- we can all relate to that feeling of being stretched to our limit. 

I heard this song on the radio last week at just the perfect time.  I was feeling weary, worn out, and disappointed in myself for how I'd handled a few situations.  This song just seemed to break me, right in that moment.  An overwhelming feeling came upon me, as if I'd come right into His presence.  The words spoke straight to my heart, and brought my focus back to where it needed to be.  I can't do this thing called life on my own, and I'm guilty of letting myself fall away from Him.

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 may rest on me.  2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

Lord, I ask for a fresh filling of your Holy Spirit.  I pray that I would never get so distracted by the busy craziness of life, that I would fall away from a close relationship with You.  Lord, I need you, and if someone is struggling with something today, I pray that this song would minister to them wherever they are.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

Music Monday: {Every Good Thing} by The Afters

Happy Music Monday!  I pray that you all had a blessed Easter, celebrating and rejoicing in the Resurrection of our Savior, and spending time with loved ones!

This new song by The Afters is uplifting, encouraging, and so UPBEAT!  Just makes you want to get up and dance!  As my daughter would say, "It's my jam!" :D

Whenever we turn on the TV or read the newspaper, tragedy and suffering seems to be at the forefront, but it's important not to focus too long on the darkness.  God has given us so many beautiful gifts, and there are so many things to be thankful for . . .  thank you, Lord, that you are the reason for every good thing! 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17 (NIV)

Music Monday: {Strangely Dim} by Francesca Battistelli

So many things can happen from day to day that don't meet our expectations; things don't happen the way we think they should, people don't act the way we think they should, and the plans that we've laid out don't come to pass.  But Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  When we take the focus off of our circumstances, and we look to Him, and keep our eyes fixed on Him . . . all the rest seems to melt away, and become strangely dim.

I pray that you enjoy Francesca Batitistelli's new single, Strangely Dim, and that it blesses you wherever you are today.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV

Music Monday: {Slip on By} by Finding Favour

Yay!  Another great, new group!  Finding Favour's single, Slip on By, is awesome!  I've heard it on KLOVE a few times, and I just love it!  It's a song that reminds us to embrace every moment that God has given us.  Every moment is precious, and they pass all too quickly . . . We're only here for a little while.  God gives us only so much precious time, so don't let it slip on by.  

Finding Favours debut album releases on March 12th, and if this song is any indication, I think it's going to be awesome!  Enjoy and be blessed, my friends!  (P.S. You might need a Kleenex)

Music Monday (on a Friday!): {You Set Me Free} by Angela Miller

It's been a couple years since I've watched American Idol, but when this video showed up on my facebook newsfeed, I was awestruck!  You Set Me Free is an original song by Angela Miller (aka Angie K. Miller), and she is a contestant on American Idol this season.  She's a young Christian woman, who appears to have a very special anointing on her singing career.  The vocals on this song are amazing, and the message is so powerful!  I may be a bit late in posting this here, and you may have already seen this video, but just in case you haven't seen it, you're in for a real treat!

If you search her on youtube, you'll find that she has MANY other songs worth listening to.  I predict big things for this young lady, and I pray that she stays humble and sings for the Lord to bring Him all the glory.  From many of the comments I've read on youtube, she's already making a huge impact on people's lives.  Needless to say, I'll be rooting for her!  Shine your light, Angie!

Music Monday: {His Kind of Love} by Group 1 Crew

So, this is how the story goes . . . I was cruising down the road, listening to Sirius XM The Message, and I think, "Wow!  This song is awesome! Who is this?  Is this a new song?  I've never heard it before."  Of course, I push the info button . . . it's Group 1 Crew!  As it turns out, it's a song from their latest album titled, Fearless, that released in September 2012.  I. LOVE. IT.  It's a new discovery for me, so my next stop is iTunes to listen to all of the samples.  If the rest of the album is as good as this song, I'm going to have a hard time not adding the entire album to my iPod!

The vocals are amazing on this song, as well as the lyrics and sound!  Combine this with a fantastic message, and I think we've found ourselves a winner!

Praising the Lord for His kind of love -- the kind of love that I can't even begin to wrap my mind around, but leaves me completely in awe!  Enjoy the song and be blessed, my friends!


There are no words no phrase I could create
There is no melody that I could make
How do you sing about a love so deep
Without feeling like you missed something
I could try but I could not explain

(Chorus)
His kind of love, is reckless for us
His kind of love, will never give up
Till the whole world knows how far He went to show
His kind of love

Tell me what kind of God would choose to save
The bruised, the broken, the sinners, the runaways
How do you ever try to comprehend,
This love that knows no limit
I could try but I could not explain
(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
This is our God He is strong
And His mercy is our song
He won't stop chasing us
That's just His kinda love

To find out more about Group 1 Crew, you can visit there website here.

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!