Day #8: Moving Music

Ahh...music.

That word is...well...music to my ears.

It sends exultant flutters and warm ribbons of deep contentment through my being!

 As with most areas in my life, I have very eclectic taste when it comes to music.
I listen from anything to Christian Worship, Big Band, Classic, Instrumental and Opera
to Christian Pop, Oldies Hits, Flamenco, World/Folk music, and some Techno.
A lot depends on the song and the musicians.

Music is very powerful,
and that being the case, I believe we need to be very careful what music we listen to.
Music goes far beyond sound and words, effecting us to the very center of how we think and feel.
You can completely change your mood, perspective on life, and feelings with a song.

Even within the genres which I like to listen to,
there are songs, but more especially artists, that I won't listen to because
of the spirit behind their music.

When I was young my dad taught me the importance of this lesson.
He would play a song for me, then ask me what the spirit was behind that song.
If you listen intently, not to the words, but to the song- was is the predominant feeling you get?
Is it worship? Serenity? Joy?
Or it is anger? Rebellion? Sorrow?

There is a message in music that is deeper than words and notes,
it is what the song makes you feel, where it wants to take you.
Be careful what you feed yourself with.
Always analyze whether what you are 'hearing' is truthful and healthy.

Sure, I listen to some secular music just for fun,
and I like listening to some Christian rap-ish music every now and again.
But it is just like junk food, you shouldn't make a consistent diet of empty, hallow, self-focused music.
All in moderation.


"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. 
"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.
 1 Corinthians 10:23


Anyways.

Getting down from my little soap box,

I'll share just a few of my favorite musical selections with you.
By clicking the links, you will taken to YouTube where you can listen to these amazing songs.



Instrumental and Vocal

Le Onde by Ludovico Einaudi

Summer Rain by Hayley Westenra



Worship and Uplifting 
 
Strong God by Meredith Andrews 
(her entire Worth it All Album is mind blowing!)

Safe by Phil Wickham

Here Goes by Bebo Norman



 Christian Contemporary

He Said by Group1Crew

Something in Your Eyes by Shonlock

 All For You by Ty Tribbett
This one will get your groove on!
I love this one when you need some energy!



Crooning Oldies

Beyond the Sea by Robbie Williams 
(or Frank Sinatra or Kevin Spacey)

If you like that song, you will love any of these...I love this genre of music!
Especially Michael Buble.

A Kiss to Build a Dream On
The Way You Look Tonight
 Almost Like Being In Love
La Vie En Rose


Other

New Soul by Yael Naim

 Say by John Mayer


Enjoy!
If you still didn't get your music fix,
you can search through some of my older posts titled Monday Melodies,
where I used to share some of my favorite selections.

~~~~
I'm linking up at Anchored in Love Divine
for the Blog Everyday in February Challenge!

LATE Monday Melodies: Me Without You

So....

I kinda missed Monday.

To be honest, I was a little out of it,

but, like the Olympic athletes I've been watching on TV,

I got a good 'pep talk', someone told me I could make it through,

I refocused, rallied, and here I am, back.

I heard this song on the radio this weekend,

but (as is always the case when you hear a great song for the first time)

the DJ started another song and I didn't get to hear the title and artist!

Don't you hate it when that happens?!

But, through a little bit of God-incidence,

I stumbled upon it completely by 'accident' today

after listening to a song a friend of mine recommended.

And here it is for your listening enjoyment.

And I hope you will do just that....

enjoy.

~Me~

PS- This is a pretty awesome lyric video by the way!

Me Without You by TobyMac



Monday Melodies: Granuaile's Dance

Happy Monday all!

Can you believe this is the last Monday of July?

Wow, how time flies!

Today I'm going to share with you not only a be-a-u-tiful song,

but also the must see live performance by Mairead Nesbitt of Celtic Women.

I just love to watch her flit and float across the stage,

so caught up in her performance and love of the music!

She gives movement to the music, and soul to the notes.

This is the way real music is meant to be played!

I hope you enjoy it.

Oh....

and feel free to dance!

~Me~

Granuaile's Dance

Smile Friend and Do A Little Jive

So,

did you know this week was Make a Friend Smile week?!

How fun!

I found out just in time to share a smile with you!

Here is a video I found a long time ago, and just restumbled upon today.

It was so good I wanted to share it with you!

I mean come on, dancing (one of my favorite things!) and cute babies (another favorite thing!)?!

Don't think it gets much better.

So here is lookin' at you kid!

I hope it makes you smile!

~Me~

Two Year Old Dancin' the Jive



Monday Melodies: You're Not Alone

Before you read any further,

start the song.

Did you start it?

Good.

As I write this,

I'm listening to this song.

(And you are too, right?)

I have goose bumps.

And you know, 

isn't it funny how those little things

seem to open up your heart?

'Cause that is what's going on in mine.

All the crust of my day,

dust gathered as I walk

through a hard world,

is being blown away.

The refreshing Breath of Heaven

falls on my heart

and the words of this song

ring true there.

How about you?

Let some of the dust from your travels blow away.

He will wash your feet,

He will cleans your heart

and breath in fresh life...

yes....

we are not alone.

~Me~

You're Not Alone Meredith Andrews

I searched for love, when the night came,
And it closed in, I was alone,
But you found me, where I was hiding,
And now I'll never ever be the same,
It was the sweetest voice,
That called my name saying

You're not alone, For I am here,
Let me wipe away your every fear,
My love, I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All of your life

You cry your self to sleep, cause the hurt is real,
And the pain cuts deep, all hope seems lost,
With heartache your closest friend,
And everyone else long gone,
You've had to face the music on your own,
But there is a sweeter song that calls you home saying

You're not alone, For I am here,
Let me wipe away your every tear,
My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All your life

Faithful and true, Forever,
Oh my love will carry you

You're not alone, For I, I am here,
Let me wipe away your every fear
Oh yeah, My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
Your darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All of your life



Monday Melodies: Hold Me Together

Annnnnddd it's Monday!

Happy Monday to you.

Good things await you this week.

God has a plan.

He's got the strength you'll need

to face all the challenges

that will come your way.

Sometimes when things get tough,

we all need to remember to give a little shout out,

and ask for that extra grace,

that Hand to hold.

You can trust His heart for you,

and you can be sure

He'll be there to hold you together

when you need it.

Let Him reach down into your world

and hold your heart today as you have a listen

to what Royal Tailor has to say about it.

Enjoy!

~Me~

Dependent Independence Day

Happy Independence Day from America everyone!

I missed my Monday Melodies post this week (sorry!)

so here is a little song to make up for it.

This is the goal of 'independence',
so that one may be free to love God
and follow His ways.
To be wholly dependent upon Him
for all we do and who we are.


Enjoy!
~Me~

*Note- I have no idea why they chose this picture,
this song is 'Declaration of Dependence' by Steven Curtis Chapman
NOT the David Crowder Band.

Monday Melodies: Marie's Wedding

Get yer swingin' dress on and grab yer las er laddy

'cause this is a great jig to do a tourn aboot the room to. :)

I've danced to this song a couple times now
and it is great fun. You can't help wantin' to stomp yer boots.


Go ahead. Hit repeat.
Enjoy!

~Me~

Monday Melodies: What Are Words

Wow.

What to say.

This song nearly makes me cry ever time.

It isn't just the words....it is how they are sung...

not just from the heart, cause that is emotions,

but rather, from the soul.

This artist was an American Idol contestant, so some of you may

have heard of his story from that.

 (Click Here  for a YouTube video, it isn't the best quality,

it is his audition video, but it gives his story.)

It is a tender, traggic story, and it is from

the deapth of that experience that he is able to sing this song, this way.

This is the deep, devoted love of a man for a woman.

Beautiful.

It brings to mind another love,

a deeper, deathly devoted love...

the love of our Saviour Jesus.

Listen a second time and imagine He is singing this song over you.

Take His words to heart.

He took them to the cross.

~Me~

What Are Words by Chris Medina

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I'll be there
Anytime you whisper my name
You'll see

How every single promise I'll keep
'Cause what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave
When you need me most?

What are words
If you really don't mean them when you say them?
What are words
If they're only for good times, then they don't?

When it's love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, they never go away
They live on, even when we're gone

And I know an angel was sent
Just for me and I know I'm meant
To be where I am
And I'm gonna be

Standing right beside her tonight
And I'm gonna be by your side
I would never leave
When she needs me most

What are words
If you really don't mean them when you say them?
What are words
If they're only for good times, then they don't?

When it's love
Yeah, you say them out loud
Those words, they never go away
They live on, even when we're gone

Anywhere you are, I am near
Anywhere you go, I'll be there
And I'm gonna be here
Forever more

Every single promise I keep
'Cause what kind of guy would I be
If I was to leave
When you need me most?

I'm forever keeping my angel close

Monday Melodies: Suitcases

School is over.

Summer is here!

Some folks are probably headed out road tripping and vacationing.

People are packing suitcases.

You may not be carrying a literal suitcase, but in this life

we all pick up burdens and carry things we aren't supposed to bear alone.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to go where

those suitcases are headed.

Like the song says, "there's a better way".

Drop those suitcases of burden, worry and fear and

RUN into the arms of your Father God.

~Me~

Suitcases by Dara Maclean

How can you move when they're weighing you down
What can you do when you're tied to the ground, yeah
You carry your burdens, heavy like gravity
Just let them go now, there's freedom in release

You can't run when you're holding suitcases
It's a new day throw away your mistakes
And open up your heart, lay down your guard,
You don't have to be afraid

Just breathe, your load can be lifted
There's a better way when you know you're forgiven
Open up your heart, lay down your guard
You don't have to be afraid

Can you imagine what it's like to be free, ooh
Well, send those bags packing, they're not what you need, ooh
Abandon your troubles by the side of the street
Just let them go now, believe me

You can't run when you're holding suitcases
It's a new day throw away your mistakes
And open up your heart, lay down your guard,
You don't have to be afraid

Just breathe, your load can be lifted
There's a better way when you know you're forgiven
Open up your heart, lay down your guard
You don't have to be afraid

There's nothing holding you back now, just run

You can't run when you're holding suitcases
It's a new day throw away your mistakes
And open up your heart, lay down your guard,
You don't have to be afraid

Just breathe, your load can be lifted
There's a better way when you know you're forgiven
Open up your heart, lay down your guard
You don't have to be,
You don't have to be afraid

You don't have to be afraid

Waka Waka Dance

This song couldn't wait until next Monday, I wanted to share it with you now!

My good friend (the one I did the Henna with) shared this song with me

last week and I have been listening to it lots since.

It has a great beat and it is fun to watch

some of the African style dancing.

BUT...

I took it a 'step' further than that and found some dance videos

so I can could do my own dancing!

I found lots of dance routines and tutorials to this song,

but I am sharing the ones I thought had the best moves and video quality.

Zumba dance moves!

This one was a little bit harder to follow the moves,

but I love the beginning steps and motion and

the waka waka part is more like the official

music video.

This one has some interesting moves too.

I think this may be my new exercise routine!

So get warmed up and

d*a*n*c*e!

~Me~

Monday Melodies: I Can't Help Myself

Here is a good oldie that you can't help but DANCE TO!

I'm sitting on my bed writing this and listening to it and I'm dancing,

so even if you are sitting in your computer chair,

get a little groove on and

enjoy!

~Me~

I Can't Help Myself by the Four Tops

Monday Melodies: Haven't Met You Yet

I adore Michael Buble's voice, music style...and face!

*Reminds self that he is married*

But seriously, he is a great artist!

I tend to like a lot of oldies and classic artists like

Frank Sinatra,

Bing Crosby,

Louis Armstrong,

and newer artists like Harry Conick Jr.

This is one of my favorites by Michael, it is pretty popular,

you have probably heard it playing in department stores and Wal-Mart.

This is a cute music video! Who doesn't want to

spontaneously break into song and dance at a grocery store!

The ending is great, I love his face as he finishes the song and

realizes he is standing in front of the checkout. :)

If you like him, there are more great songs on YouTube

OR

you can just wait and I'll probably be posting them eventually

in Monday Melodies. :)

Enjoy!

~Me~

Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Buble

I'm not surprised, not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times I stopped keeping track
Talk myself in, I talk myself out
I get all worked up then I let myself down

I tried so very hard not to loose it
I came up with a million excuses
I thought, I thought of every possibility

And I know some day that it’ll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid that I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

I might have to wait, I’ll never give up
I guess it's half timing and the other half's luck
Wherever you are, whenever it's right
You'll come outta nowhere and into my life

And I know that we can be so amazing
And baby your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility
and
Somehow I know that it’ll all turn out
You'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And promise you kid I'll give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet

They say all’s fair in love and war
But I won’t need to fight it
We'll get it right and we'll be united

And I know that we can be so amazing
And being in your life is gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility

And someday I know it'll all turn out
And I'll work to work it out
Promise you kid I’ll give more than I get, than I get, than I get

Oh you know it'll all turn out
And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out
And promise you kid to give so much more than I get yeah
I just haven't met you yet

I just haven't met you yet
Oh promise you kid to give so much more than I get
I said love love love love love love love
I just haven't met you yet

Monday Melodies: One Step at a Time

One Step at a Time by Jordin Sparks

Hurry up and wait
So close, but so far away
Everything that you've always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste
But you just can't touch

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

[Chorus:]
We live and we learn to take
One step at a time
There's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It's gonna happen when it's
Supposed to happen and we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time

You believe and you doubt
You're confused, you got it all figured out
Everything that you always wished for
Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours
If they only knew

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

[Chorus]

When you can't wait any longer
But there's no end in sight
when you need to find the strength
It's your faith that makes you stronger
The only way you get there
Is one step at a time

[Chorus x2]

My favorite lines in this song ring true for

all of us at some time or other,

"It's gonna happen when it's supposed to happen

then we find the reasons why,

one step at a time."

Like me, I'm sure there are things that you are

waiting for....

Besides doing our part, there isn't much we can do

to speed things along, God has His own time table.

So while we trust and wait I hope you

enjoy this song.

~Me~

Monday Melodies: Summer Rain

Summer Rain

Days of burning sun
Watch the colours run
Into pools that catch the eye
Disappear as you pass by

You're my summer rain
You're my summer rain
And I know that I'll see you again
And I know that I'll see you again

Hear my prayer
Answer my call
Breathe life into my soul
I am waiting for you to show
Come and hold me so

You're my summer rain
You're my summer rain
And I know that I'll see you again
And I know that I'll see you again

Dreams of a day with you
Fading away

You're my summer rain
You're my summer rain
And I know and I know and I know that I'll see you again
And I know and I know and I know that I'll see you again
Summer rain
You're my summer rain
And I know and I know and I know that I'll see you again
And I know and I know and I know that I'll see you again
Ah huh ah
Summer rain
Ah huh ah
Summer rain

Here is a lovely and very talented singer that I have come to love

over the course of this past year!

She has an angelic voice, and this is one of my

absolute favorite songs of hers...

I listen to it over and over and over....

Here is hoping we get some summer rain soon

here in Texas.

Enjoy!

~Me~



Monday Melodies: One of Those Days

Sorry this was so late today!
If it has been 'one of those days' today, here is a little ditty

to cheer you up and a prayer that tomorrow is better!

Remember, He loves you in the middle of your mess

and no matter what, you are still blessed!

(I didn't like the official music video, so I posted this one instead,

two birds with one stone though cause this vid has the

lyrics! Sorry, I know, they used the wrong 'to',

but what can you do?)

~Me~

Monday Melodies: You

You by 21:03

I just found this song and this group in the past week,

and I wanted to share this song with you!

Enjoy!

Lyrics

Been up and down been almost crushed to the ground
But somehow i still come out with my crown
Sometimes my hills seem unbearable
But lord dont move my mountain i'm believin in your miracle

I've never seen the righteous forsaken
I'd never have made it with out you

Chorus
My joy, my peace, my happiness. My hope, my strength, my deliverence.
Ain't no stoppin my praise my diligence. My life i've dedicated cause i made it with you. I made it with you
Nobody but you, I made it with you


I've had some smiles and some cries in my life
But you see me through them all always by my side
Sometimes the closest ones to me seem like enemies
But lord you make them my foot stool to prepare me


(i need everybody to say this)
oh oh oh ohhh. oh oh oh ohhh
(come on yall help me out)
oh oh oh ohhh. oh oh oh ohhh

Say i made it. Have i got a witness? say i made it. Anybody made it? Through the valley. Through the mountain. Through the storm...my joy


I made it. Said i made it. Is it anybody out there that know you made it? when the enemy tried to get you, you tell yo enemy, GET THEE BEHIND ME

And to the decievers, you thought you had me. Spreadin rumors all about me. I made it cause im more than a conquerer. So how you like me now?

To my killaz, you thought you had me. Plottin, schemin all around me. But im standin. Cuz there is no weapon, no weapon, formed against me, shall prosper...

Monday Melodies: Safe

Safe by Britt Nicole

You keep tryin to get inside my head,
While I keep trying to lose the words you said
Can't you see I'm hangin by a thread,
To my life what I know, yeah I'm losing control and

Oh no, my walls are gonna break
So close, its more than I can take
I'm so tired of turning and running away
When love ju--st isn't safe
(your not safe, mmm-mm)

I'm strong enough, I've always told myself
I never want to need somebody else
But I've already fallen from that hill,
So I'm droppin my guard here's your chance at my heart and

Oh no, my walls are gonna break
So close, its more than I can take
I'm so tired of turning and running away
When love ju-st isn't

Everything you want, but its everything you need
Its not always happy endings but its hap-py in betweeen
Its taken so long, so long to finally see
That You love is worth the risk

Oh no, my walls are gonna breeeaakk
Oh no, my walls are gonna break
So close, its more than I can take
So tired of turning and running away
When love ju-st isn't safe

Oh no, my walls are gonna break
So close, its more than I can take
So tired of turning and running away
When love just isn't safe

Your not safe
And that's okay

This song reminds me of the quote from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe:

“Safe?" said Mr. Beaver.

"Who said anything about safe?

 'Course he isn't safe.

But he's good.”

God's love isn't always safe, but it's always worth it, and it will be good.   

Monday Melodies: Time In Between

Time In Between by Francesca Battistelli

You were there when your Father said
Let there be light
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mothers womb
Three days in a borrowed tomb

(Chorus One)
But it’s the time in between
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me
And all that I can't be
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between

Don't take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again

(Chorus Two)
But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You'll bring
And the things that I can't see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I'll sing in the time in between

So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I'm grateful for them all

(Chorus 3)
But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between

Yesterday we celebrated The Resurrection of our Lord,

 Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

We celebrated that He arose from the dead,

conquered sin and death,

tore the curtain and crossed the chasm

of our sins so we could have a relationship

with a Holy God.

He became our sacrifice, paid the price,

and extended His earned place in heaven

to us if we would only believe and accept it.

BUT....

This song speaks an important truth.

It was the time in between that made it possible.

Anyone could die for you.

But it wouldn't do the job.

Between His miraculous birth

and dramatic death,

Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life,

becoming the Spotless Lamb

that was our final sacrifice.

He lived a victorious, holy life

for us.

HIS LIFE was the important part.

His resurrection speaks that death and sin

cannot snuff out a victorious, holy life.

He carried the victory and authority of His life

to the grave, and that is how He conquered it.

The time in between, means everything.

For us, the time in between our birth and death

determines where we spend eternity.

How we handle HIS time in between,

makes the difference.

It matters.

He spent His in between time for you,

how are you spending yours?

~~~

Monday Melodies: Who Put the Bomp?

Happy Monday all!

Here is a good oldie to get things started off for Monday Melodies.

Barry Mann singing Who Put the Bomp?

If you are having 'one of those Mondays', have a listen!

I don't think anyone could still be down after hearing this crooner,

especially his little speech at the very end! Makes me laugh every time!

For you Pandora listeners, you can find more songs like

this by going to the Doo-Wop Radio channel.