This last several months i’ve been really super conscious of what i’m filling my mind with, and trying to fill it with songs that praise the KING.  You see, music is my language, its where I turn when I don’t have words or don’t understand, when I’m excited or scared or sad.  I remember Edna being comforted on our drive to tahoe because I took the wheel back from david and started singing as I wove that beast of a van up these windy roads in the ice and snow (in comparison with david’s death grip on the wheel! haha). but what she didn’t realize is that music is my coping method.  I would have been just as nervous as him, except that when I sing I’m not scared anymore.  There’s just something about bringing glory to the king that makes it all ok.  and on the flip side, singing praises to him is the only way I can express the joy in my heart some days.

Here are some songs that have spoken to me this year:

“How Can I Keep from Singing?” -Chris Tomlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEzEbtA9ba8

This is my go-to song. I first heard it when we taught it to our girls club for the music badge at my home church a few years ago.  This is the song I sing when I want to praise God or when I don’t want to praise God.  this is the song I sing when I’m trying to worship but can’t get past the block.  this is the song I sing on a 7 hour snowy scary drive to Tahoe in the middle of the night to give me peace while I drive.  This is the song I sing in the middle of a breakup when my heart is in pieces.  This is the song I sing on the beach for all of Alameda to hear. This is the song I sing when I’m scared in the middle of the night.  This is the song I sing when i’m delighted.  This is the song I sing before I start praying for PJ to get released from jail in China. and this is the song I sing when I’m so full of joy that my heart bubbles over and I can’t stop smiling and singing.   

Favorite line: “there is an endless song, echoes in my soul.”

“Safe” - Phil Wickham http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiRCtz_mhcI

if you know anything about my last year, I don’t have to explain.  

favorite line: these are the arms that hold the heavens, they are holding you and me.

“There will be a day” - Jeremy Camp http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le-TG4sRRiQ

Fave line: “troubled soul don’t lose your heart, cause joy and peace he brings”

“Get Back Up” -Tobymac http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1GU7_FBzJ8

Fave Line: “this is love calling, love calling, out to the broken”

“Forgiven” - Sanctus Real http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F9z54g30Eo&feature=av2e

favorite line: the whole song! haha. but i remember first hearing it and thinking “this is my heart” when I heard: “when i don’t fit in, when I don’t feel like I belong anywhere, when I don’t measure up to much in this life, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ.”

“There is a Way” -Neworldson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUHl3dhQjhk

favorite line: “there is a lifeline come to the rescue, just like a hand that’s waiting for you.”

“I’m not who I was” -Brandon Heath http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1ZgtCRO-KY&feature=channel

Fave Line: “i write about love and such, maybe cause i want it so much”

“Wait and See” -Brandon Heath http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEFNQE76Us4

fave line: “i’m not here for nothin’, he’s up to somethin’.”

“Yours to Take” -Jimmy Needham

If I could describe this song in one word, it would be delight. or actually. JOY. haha.

fave line: “I can feel the weight is lifting, I’m barely staying on the ground” and “so this is breathing air for the very first time”

“something beautiful” - Needtobreathe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueP05bkWVvQ

Fave line: “hey now, this is my desire, consume me like a fire, cause i just want something beautiful to touch me, I know that I’m in reach, cause i am down on my knees, waiting for something beautiful”

“Give me your eyes” -Brandon Heath http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5AkNqLuVgY&feature=av2n

This song goes through my head when I drive through Oakland.

Fave Line: “give me your arms for the brokenhearted”

“Heaven Song” - Phil Wickham http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U-hOMunpWo

The first time I heard this song, I was riding in my friend’s car, and all of a sudden he went from just kind of humming along with the music to belting it out when this song came on. Unforgettable.

Fave line: “my soul is getting restless for the place where I belong”