When Tragedy Strikes...Pray

I know there are some of you who saw the title to this post and had to have assumed it was going to be about my Redskins losing to the daggum Eagles.  Trust me, there was some major praying after the horrific event that was today's game.  I really wish things had gone another way, but this post is of a much more serious nature.

I don't know if you guys saw this in the news today, but I felt compelled to share.  I may be a girl who loves to watch a lot of different things on television, though racing is not one of them.  But, I am a girl who has experienced the death of someone very close to me because of a car accident and in a very unfortunate series of events, another family is having to deal with that situation on this very day.


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Today, during his "normal" workday in an Indy car race in Las Vegas, 33-year-old British driver Dan Wheldon was involved in a 15-car pileup that ultimately resulted in his passing.  In the video clip above, Dan's car was the one that went airborne.  He is survived by an industry and all of his colleagues, as well as his wife, Susie, and his two sons - Sebastian (2) and Oliver (7 months).  It will indefinitely be a very difficult road for all of them, especially since it was an accident that occurred on television and will most certainly be replayed hundreds of times in the coming weeks.

This tragedy had not yet happened when I left church this morning, but being as this is a Sunday and faith is needed when times are hard, I felt it might be good to ask for a massive prayer request for this family.  I ask each of you to include them in your prayer list as their hearts and minds are full of sorrow and grief today.  I hope the video clip inspires you to dig down deep and hug the ones close to you - you never know when a normal day could go horribly wrong.

In the spirit of faith, here is a Song of Sunday to get your minds right for the coming week - it definitely did that for me today, and it was the first time we sang this at our church.  I was very impressed with the message and felt it was ultimately fitting after today's events.

Here is "Never Once" by Matt Redman.


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Until next time,

In Case You Need Uplifting

Just to start your week off in the right fashion, I thought I'd share my favorite of the songs we sang at church yesterday.  It truly does have a powerful message, and sometimes, I find that is exactly what you need to cleanse your mind and heart in order to start a brand new week.

I found this song especially moving, simply because I've been so incredibly busy lately.  I've found it very difficult to just stop and slow down for a minute.  Don't get me wrong - I love being busy.  It beats the alternative any day of the week, but one thing I constantly struggle with is balance.  I need to continually practice the balancing act that is life.  You are supposed to work hard, but you also need to take time to relish in the moments life presents to you, and that's something I need to be better about.

So, to those of you who are like me, and forget the simple truth about who gives you the strength to handle all of life's challenges, and through whose teachings you can learn to find balance, this song's for you.  Happy Monday, everyone!


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Until next time,

Songs To Get You Going

I had a lot of positive response to my "Songs of Sunday" post so I thought I'd do a follow-up post with even more musical goodness for my Peeps.  You know, because I really love you and all and I want you to have the encouragement you need to make it a good week!

Some of these are songs we sing at my amazing church and others are ones I've heard on Spirit FM. (Sidenote:  I really never imagined that I'd end up liking this station as much as I do, but when your normal stations are playing the ever-loving-poo out of songs you used to like same songs over and over again, it's a really refreshing break).

Kristian Stanfill - Always

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I'm proud to post this next group because they got their start at a local university and they are pretty incredible - the way they harmonize with one another and have matched their vocals up until they're pitch-perfect is ridiculous!  Here are Anthem Lights with "Can't Get Over You."


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Building 429 - Listen To The Sound

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Sidewalk Prophets - You Love Me Anyway

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Matthew West - Strong Enough

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I hope you find some inspiration in these messages - I think they're beautiful and uplifting and that's what I love about Sundays....I get the good stuff that I need to cope with any week that's thrown at me!  Naturally, I wouldn't want anything less for my Peeps!

Until next time,

Another Song of Sunday

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First can I say that you know I adore that picture! Chickens singing? Sign me up! Here is another beautiful song to bring a message of hope to your week.  Beautiful voice all around and I absolutely love the note she hits at the end! Talk about getting chills and an amazing message at the same time!

Natalie Grant - Your Great Name

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Until next time,

How Great Indeed

Hello, Peeps!  I hope each and every one of you had an amazing Easter weekend!  I know I did, and it was jam packed full of love and togetherness.  I got to see my incredible friends and my fantastic family, and all is right in my little world.

One thing I was quite upset about was missing a special on TV that honored several of country music's female phenomenons.  I would have TiVO'd it had I known it was set to air!  Boo sauce to that!  One of my favorite country artists, whom I've loved since her audition tape on American Idol, was honored during that special.  If you've ever heard Carrie Underwood sing, you know that the girl is beyond blessed.

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I was particularly impressed with the song she chose to sing, 'How Great Thou Art.'  To say she hit it out of the park would be a severe understatement.  Don't believe me?  See for yourself.


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Happy Easter, everyone!  Remember the reason - He is risen. He is risen indeed.

Until next time,

What An Incredible Morning

Today was a big day for my spiritual life!  It was a Sunday morning pretty similar to any other Sunday morning.  There were two major differences, though.  Instead of the 10:45am service, I attended the 9:30am service.  Oh, and my AMAZING church became a multi-location church for the first time ever!!!!

They've been working so hard to branch out and reach even more people in the community, and today was the culmination of their efforts!  It was an absolutely amazing service as we launched our new campus and relaunched our original campus.  The songs were incredible, the message was so on point it was ridiculous, and there were some people who had life-changing moments today.  There was a video that featured one of the most beautiful versions of "Amazing Grace" that I've ever heard.

All in all, it was just a wonderful day for my soul.  I got so teary-eyed and filled with the spirit that my typically on-the-money singing voice was shaky and broken.  (I kid, I kid - I'm not in the band for a reason)!  It was the perfect weekly dose of the good stuff that I needed to keep me in line.

I hope you all have an absolutely amazing week, and I hope that you all dig deep and think about all the good things you've got going in your life.  Know that you're never "too bad" or "too off the path" to be loved. Life is a beautiful thing, and we're all blessed in some way.  If we all took the time to look at what we do have instead of all we don't have, the world would absolutely be a better and happier place!


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Until next time,

Musical Message For Your Week

One thing I greatly look forward to every Sunday is the message I receive from my church.  I'm telling you - there's nothing better to start your week off correctly than a little time with Jesus and a bunch of other people who love Him too.

Yesterday's message was a good one and I really took a lot away from it, but one of the most wonderful parts of yesterday's service was actually one of the songs they did.  My good girlfriend had heard this song before yesterday, and she got very excited when it started to play.  Once it picked up and I focused on the lyrics, I really was touched, as well.

You see, we've been talking a lot about the mysterious ways that God works in our lives for weeks now at church, and one of the recurring themes that our pastor has touched on is that God doesn't come to us in ways that we think He should - He does it on His own time and in His own way.  Sometimes, He comes to us in such a way that you honestly have to sit back in disbelief and wonder why He thought that was the way to go.

The reason this message has resonated with me so well is because I've seen it firsthand.  I think of certain situations I've been through, and I know that God must have been overwhelmed by the amount of prayers and pleading requests I'd sent up to him.  During those times, I genuinely felt one of two ways:  1) that God was ignoring me because my prayers were petty in comparison to others' or 2) that He wanted me to stay on the path that I was on.  After certain situations ended and I'd moved on to different things in my life, it was then that He appeared to me, and I have to admit - while I laughed at the irony, it all made perfect sense.

So, that is why the song you're about to hear fit so perfectly with that theme.  It reminds you that if you stay the course and keep your faithfulness strong, you'll find the answers you need when the time is right.  The "downtime" while we're waiting is just as important as the answers themselves.  I hope this message starts your week off right, too!  Happy Monday, Peeps!


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Until next time,

Sunday Songs That Move Me

As I've stated before, I was blessed enough to discover an incredible new church this past year that has allowed me to rebuild the structured relationship I had been desperately seeking with God.  It has been an awesome feeling to listen to the message week after week and to get something out of the teachings every single time.

Another part of this church that I love so much is the music.  I love music to begin with and believe that it is one of the most powerful forms of expression out there.  Couple that with lifting up a congregation of people in worship and you've got one amazing vehicle.

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So, since today is Sunday, I thought I would share a few of the powerful and non-traditional songs that have moved me since I began attending this church.  If you listen to the lyrics, along with the amazing singers and arrangements, I think they could move you too.  I hope that each and every one of you have found something special to believe in and something incredible to put your trust in.  I know I have.  If you're still looking, don't give up!  Happy Sunday, everyone!

One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture

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Glory To God Forever - Steve Fee

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No One Higher - The Stand - Steve Fee

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Mighty To Save - Hillsong United

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And finally, one from the music worship director at my church, Nicolas Carver - he truly is incredible, and I hope you enjoy!





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Until next time,

The Reason For The Season

It's very, very rare that I actually like a Christmas song that is modern, and by modern, I mean not one of the standards we grew up with.  There are a few exceptions, and I'd like to share one of them with you today.  I'm sure you've most likely heard this song, but it is one of the most meaningful and beautiful modern Christmas songs I've ever been blessed enough to hear.

There are plenty of words that come to mind when you hear the name Faith Hill.  Some that always come to mind to me are as follows:  beautiful, gorgeous smile, incredible voice, loving, caring, devoted, passionate, creative, great mother and wife, grounded, inspiring.

Couple the incredible artist with a song that exceptionally highlights the actual reason for the Christmas season, and you're bound to have a grand slam. 

In church this past weekend, the message was about how easy it is to get caught up in the Christmas clutter - the things that don't actually mean anything at the end of the day.  It doesn't matter if you decorate your home, or fill your stockings, or shove people in the mall when you're trying to score the perfect gift - the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus Christ.

So, I ask this of you, Peeps.  Take a moment and listen to the words of this song (and appreciate how beautifully executed they are by Faith Hill).  Let the passion in the song move you, and make you pause - take a minute and remember all that's been done for you.  I guarantee it's the best way to get over any holiday gloom you may be experiencing.

It's my honor and pleasure to present to you, one of my favorite "new" Christmas songs, appropriately titled A Baby Changes Everything.


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Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #15

December 15 – 5 Minutes. Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. (Author: Patti Digh)

Okay, I think it would be best to reflect on what I don't want to forget when I lose my memory in list form.  Okay........GO!

- Laughing with my Papa on multiple occasions.
- My last precious moments with Papa the night before he passed away.
- My family beach vacation at the best beach in the world with the best family in the world.
- Eating a world-famous Britt's doughnut for the first time.
- The massively successful events planned and executed.
- The beautiful weddings I've been privileged enough to experience.
- The Redskins beating the Cowboys at the beginning of the season.
- The engagements of high school friends.
- The engagements of college friends.
- The births of my friends' very first child.
- The DIY projects I accomplished.
- Meeting and falling head over heels for Comanche (bold and underline necessary).
- The weddings of dear friends and family members who found the loves of their lives.
- The new friends I've made who have become like family.
- Finding a new church to renew the structured part of my faith.
- Learning who would be there for me during tough times.
- Taking up Zumba classes.
- A pot luck-style dinner with some of my best girlfriends (and the chance to catch up on our lives).
- The creative dates I have been taken on.
- All the laughing and smiling I've done.
- The girls' night sessions with two of my favorite girls at local hot spots. (One ending in an all-nighter. On a work night.)
- My adorable dogs playing their hearts out in the snow (except for MuChi, who only wanted to get back inside).

I'm sure there's so much more I'd yearn to remember, but this is what I've got for now!

Until next time,