Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Waters rising... Part 2

A few weeks ago I told you about the 'chaos' that has been my life. While life has calmed down (for the most part), the song that I wrote about is just as important in my life today as it was a month ago.

Back then, I wanted to share the song with you, but was only able to share the lyrics. Thankfully, today Casey Darnell (the artist) uploaded it to YouTube.

CHECK IT OUT!!!



Many blessings,
Allison




Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Waters rising

This week has been one heck of a roller coaster ride for me. Baseball, mammograms, Zumba & my best friend moving. I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me. Forget bringing me to my knees; I've landed flat on my butt.

Honestly, I want to just crawl in my bed and stay there for days. Wake me when it's over! But the rational part of my mind (the part that RARELY wins) is telling me to just get up & get on with life. Yes, my very-best-friend is moving to Iowa, but I can make the most of the rest of her time here. THAT is what a friend would do. I am going to break 'tradition' and not pull away. I am going to face this head on.

I am also waiting on test results. A lump was found in my right bre@st via mammogram & ultrasound. It could be a lymph node or a cyst or the C word. As much as I want to just think the worst, I have an overwhelming sense of peace. Whatever the outcome, my God is in control. It is a part of His story for me. Do I want cancer - HECK NO!!! Yet, if that is what's being dealt then so be it.

As usual, I turn to music. It's what makes up the soundtrack of my life. So, what am I listening to right now, during this tumultuous time? Casey Darnell's newest album, ANTHEM. Especially his song, When the Waters Rise. He wrote this song right after his wife suffered a miscarriage of their 2nd child. The story behind the song is BEAUTIFUL! I am using the words of this song as my prayer.

When the waters rise around me I am safe
In the valley Lord, you are near always
You have surrounded me by your grace
When my strength is gone, I won't be afraid
You are with me always

When there seems no way, You are here with me
And this life brings pain, You are here with me
I wont be afraid, You are here with me
You are all I need and You are here with me
~written by Casey Darnell

Many blessings,
Allison

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Theme song

Several years ago, Louie Giglio (one of my favorite Christian speakers) did a series at church called "Soundtrack". Our lives have a soundtrack. Certain songs evoke feelings, emotions, memories. Something simple as 'Jesus Loves Me' can transport me back in time to when I was 5 years old and sitting in Sunday School. Or listening to a Richard Marx song brings me back to my senior prom.

I live life through a soundtrack. Taking note of particular songs that have meaning to me. I find a way to work them into my life.

I have found a new one!

In February 2010, Casey Darnell was leading worship at our church. He showcased a new song that he had written. The lyrics pierced my heart instantly and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the lyrics. I went so far as to have my husband contact Casey via Facebook to see if he would share the lyrics with me (the album had not been released yet). The song was my anthem, especially with the speaking engagement that I had coming up. I wanted to work the song into my talk (Craig forgot to give me the lyrics so I never did get to use them).

Fast forward to May 11, 2010. Casey FINALLY released his newest EP on iTunes featuring MY song! I had been flirting with the idea of buying the album - especially since Casey was giving FREE socks to the needy for every iTunes purchase of his new album. Forget the flirting - I BOUGHT IT!!!!

The words are JUST as powerful now as they were back in February. Between life, eating disorder & family the words just ring true. I wish I could share the song with you so you can listen to it..... But I can share the words.

Power in Your Name

Written by Casey Darnell

Chorus:

There is power in Your name,

There is mercy there is grace

Where the weary soul finds rest

In the presence of Jesus

There is love that never fails,

No matter how dark My God Prevails

In our weakness there is strength

In the presence of Jesus


Looking back on my life, the abuse, the bullying... It doesn't matter how dark my life looked. God was always there. The only place I've ever been able to find rest has been in the loving arms of my God.

Casey is a talented singer/songwriter with a heart for God. If you can, purchase the entire album. It WILL speak to your heart.

Many blessings,
Allison

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Amazing worship!

What do you get when you put a rockin' worship band, 1000+ high school students & 300+ small group leaders in one room? AMAZING WORSHIP!!!

Fee Band is currently one of my favorite Christian bands, not just because they're local. The words of their songs speak right to my heart; they get through all of the crap & really hit my soul. It is often that while listening to one of their songs God speaks to me. Music causes me to be still & really listen to what He has to say to me.

Last weekend our church hosted the annual MyLife weekend for high schools students from all 3 campuses (Browns Bridge, North Point & Buckhead). I've never been to MyLife, but my husband has. He always comes back exhausted & without a voice, but recharged by the connection he made with God and his high school boys.

Saturday night, the kids & I 'sneaked' into church to watch Fee perform. I'll admit it - I'm a groupie! Justin complained that it was too loud (he was tired). Chelsea really got into & started worshiping & raising her hands. That itself warmed my heart.

But the view from below was incredible! Hundreds of high schoolers & their leaders just worshiping God. Not caring what the person next to them would think about them. For that moment, these kids just let go.


I feel so blessed that we attend a church that our kids love to go to. They look forward to waking up on Sunday mornings. They WANT to go to church. For me & Craig, that is refreshing because we certainly were not like that at their age (at least I know I wasn't).

This weekend is Walking Wisely Weekend for the middle school students. Chelsea will be going. I'm bummed that I won't be there, but cannot wait to hear about her experience!! I pray that God will meet her in that place and speak to her heart.

If you're in the market for some great worship & are in the area tonight (2/24/10), stop by Browns Bridge Community Church for their Night of Worship (featuring Fee Band, Cori Moon & Seth Condrey). It's a wonderful night of prayer, worship & communion.

Many blessings,
Allison

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Beautiful music

When my daughter was getting ready to head off to middle school, the music department really did a BIG push with chorus & band. Chelsea, lover of music, decided to join the chorus.

Joining chorus has really helped bring her out of her shell. Not that she's a wall flower, but she's found her element. She found the courage to try out for the statewide honors chorus (something I never would have done). There were only 3 positions (well, 6 really since 3 alternates were chosen). Chelsea was chosen as an alternate. Not sure what that entails - probably nothing as of right now. She was also selected to be one of 15 6th graders to represent her school in the Forsyth County Honors Chorus.

The County Honors Chorus recently held a performance. Middle school chorus students from all over the county (5 schools total) came together on one day, rehearsed together for the 1st time and performed later that same night. These kids were amazing!!!

ENJOY!




Many blessings,
Allison

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Hands of my healer

We sang this song today in church and I couldn't wait to get home & blog about it. While singing, the image of Christ's pierced hands came into my mind.

Hands of the Healer

Blood flows down
Blood flows down
Flowing from the hands of the Healer
Death is bound
Death is bound
It’s broken in the hands of the Healer

So beautiful oh so beautiful
So beautiful Your love

Glory to the King who gave His life
Glory to the Lamb of sacrifice
Beautiful and broken
Holiness and love
Glorious the wounded hands of God

Risen life
Risen life
Purchased by the hands of the Healer
Sanctified
Sanctified
How precious are the hands of the Healer

So beautiful oh so beautiful
So beautiful Your love

Glory to the King who gave His life
Glory to the Lamb of sacrifice
Beautiful and broken
Holiness and love
Glorious the wounded hands of God

So beautiful oh so beautiful
So beautiful the hands of love
So powerful oh so powerful
So powerful the hands of love

Many blessings,
Allison

Thursday, December 31, 2009

My favorite sound

Like the majority of people, we have a CD player in our van. For the past few months (since October), we've kept the newest Fee CD in there - it's our favorite!

Each of us has our favorite song(s) & like to hear them over & over again. Some of us even sing to them - loudly!! (Gee, I wonder who?)

As of Christmas, we've had a new favorite CD - Awake by North Point. I've spoken about this one before. Once again, we all have favorite songs.

Chelsea's newest favorite is 'A Mighty Fortress' sung by Cori Moon. While I like the original recording by Christy Nockels, the musical arrangement on the Awake CD just adds to it.

Anyway, every time we're in the van, Chelsea requests to hear song 11 - 'A Mighty Fortress'. If you really stop & listen, you can hear her singing to the song. Praising her Heavenly Father without restraint. She sings her heart out to Him and it's a beautiful sound.

I love listening & watching people openly worship God. They don't have to sing on key or clap to the beat; all they have to do is release their heart to their Father.

Pop in a great worship CD and listen to your kids sing.

It's the most beautiful sound in the world!! I promise.

Many blessings,
Allison

Saturday, December 26, 2009

A new song....

Back in October, I surprised Craig with an early anniversary gift - tickets to North Point Live. Then on December 13th, North Point released the CD from that concert called AWAKE. If you're looking for a great worship CD, you DEFINITELY want to check this one out!!!

The whole CD is outstanding and I could listen to it all day, one song has really pierced my heart. A Mighty Fortress by Christy Nockels, sung by Cori Moon. As much as I love the words - AMAZING - the musical arrangement is just as powerful. It's a must own....

Back to the song:

Our God is, a consuming fire,
A burning holy Flame, with glory and freedom
Our God is, the only righteous judge,
Ruling over us with kindness and wisdom

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

A mighty fortress is our God
A sacred refuge is Your Name
Your Kingdom is unshakable
With You forever we will reign

Our God is, jealous for His own
None could comprehend, His love and His mercy
Our God is exalted on His throne
High above the heavens
Forever He’s worthy...

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You
So we can set our hearts on You
Lord we will set our hearts on You!


I can only think of the peace & freedom that I feel in His presence, knowing that I am His child. He doesn't judge us out of anger, but out of love & concern for us, His precious child. I want to blast this song so loud & raise my hands to Him as I praise Him.

As always, music speaks to me on so many levels.. I hope this one speaks to you.

Many blessings,
Allison

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas at Browns Bridge!!!

We have been blessed to attend a church that is LOADED with talented people; from production to children ministry to music.

This past Sunday proved to be the best yet!!!



It may not look all that impressive, but you've got to realize that the music was LIVE on 3 campuses, one of which had 2 auditoriums - that's a total of 4 live bands simultaneously !!! The live feed was outstanding! As always, the talent inspiring.

From our family to yours, wishing you a very Merry Christmas! May the joy of the season live in your heart forever!

Many blessings,
Allison

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Breathe on me

Hold on to your hats ladies & gentlemen!

The other day was a CRAZY one for me. I think was IN the car more than I was home. Between picking up & dropping off a friend's child, my doctor appointment & unemployment - I wasted enough gas to heat a small home.

Yet, God used those moments to inspire me. I have a radio on my car & always listen to our local Christian station: 104.7 The Fish. For some reason, the song "It Is Well" kept popping in my head.

Once I got home & was finally able to settle in, I hopped on the computer to catch up on today's happenings (Facebook, blogs, Twitter). Lo & behold, I saw a post from one of the worship leaders at church about a new video he uploaded to YouTube. Todd Fields uploaded "It Is Well". HAS to be a God thing!!!

While listening/watching his version of "It Is Well", I decided to check out a few of his other videos. I stumbled across "Breathe On Me" written by Todd Fields, Christy & Nathan Nockels.

Listening to it, I realized that it's one of my favorite Todd Fields songs. The words are so simple yet powerful.
Find me here, in this place
Son of God, Saving Grace
At this hour, all my days
Breathe on me, breathe on me

Morning star, shine Your light
As I walk through this life
God of power God of might
Breathe on me breathe on me

Forever, you are the reason for living

Merciful Savior unending
Breathe on me

When I’m weak, You are strong

Your breath in me will be my song
In You my King, I belong
Breathe on me breathe on me

Forever, You are the God of my story

Write every line for Your glory
Breathe on me

Breathe on me, breathe on me I am weak, You are strong Your breath in me, be my song When I am weak, You are strong You are strong
When I am weak, You are strong - POWERFUL!!! This song ministers to my soul making it cry out to my Father, asking Him to use me in whatever way He sees fit.

If you can, take a moment to play the video & listen to it... make it your prayer.

Many blessings,
Allison


Monday, November 23, 2009

Entertainment or just too much?

A few months ago I blogged about my thoughts on the Grammys. Not impressed.

Last night we were exposed to the American Music Awards. I didn't watch it - forgot it was on AND I was doing some Christmas shopping with a friend. Either way, I wouldn't have watched it. But I've certainly heard a lot about it. Enough to pique my curiosity and check out what all of the hoopla was all about.

Adam Lambert.

I wasn't a huge fan of his while he was on American Idol. I found him to be too screechy and campy. Just not my style. His performance last night only solidified my stand.

I checked it out on YouTube - which has since removed it from their site. Oh my word!!! Seriously, did he need to grind his crotch in the face of another male? And all of those semi-naked people - men and women. Oh, guy on a leash too! Who can forget that kiss.. grabbed his straight keyboard player and kissed him.

You can do what you want in your life. Honestly, I do not care. What I DO care about is what you are going to show on network television. My children watch those channels are there are certain things that I do NOT want them to be exposed to. Adam's performance was one of them.

Now he's all upset that the network 'edited' his performance for the West Coast viewing audience & is calling it censorship.

So, is it? Do you think it's censorship? I would really like feedback on this.

Personally - I do not think it is censorship. We need to draw the line as to what is shown on TV, especially during family viewing hours.

Many blessings,
Allison

Friday, August 14, 2009

Praising my Father

As an early anniversary gift, I got Craig tickets to the North Point Live taping. This is the 3rd time they've done this. We went to the first one and had a BLAST. This time we were worshipping with some of our favorites from church: Fee Band, Eddie Kirkland & Todd Fields. All I can say is - AMAZING!

There were thousands of people for this sold-out event! I think it was probably a compilation of all 3 campuses and a few extra invited friends. The music was ROCKIN'! What a way to worship our Heavenly Father. To be there, in the midst of His presence, you couldn't help but get caught in the moment. Hands lifted to Heaven, voices singing His praises. Words cannot describe the event. Honestly.

Fee Band did some songs from their new yet-to-be-released album. Let me say - OUTSTANDING!! Another Ahrens favorite! Eddie Kirkland & Todd Fields did a few of their new ones too. Oh, to sing to the Father. Of all the songs we sang, only 1 was not written by someone on that stage. Our churches are blessed with spectacular musical talent - all who use their gift to glorify our God.

We didn't just sing. We stopped to pray. Thanking God for all that He's done in our lives & the church for the past 1 & 1/2 years. I know Craig & I had a LOT to thank Him for. Then we prayed for the recording - that it reaches those outside the Alpharetta area. Powerful!!

Fee Band closed the evening. It was SO great to see so many teens rush the stage and just dance & jump to the music. Arms held high, glorifying God.

I can't wait for the CD to be released. I have a feeling that it's going to be Christmas gifts for family & friends.

To get a peek of what we experienced, just tune in on Sunday, August 16th at 6pm on North Point Online. Sunday night's service at Buckhead will be broadcast LIVE. Fee Band is leading worship.

Hope to "see" you there!

Many blessings,
Allison

Sunday, February 8, 2009

I watched the Grammy's....

....and hated it!

Ok, I'll admit, I DID love seeing the Jo Bros. jamming with Stevie Wonder. They were great! The announcement of Blink 182 reuniting is very cool. But listening to a young girl being PRAISED for being bi-curious & then singing a song about it while dressed like she should be dancing at Moulin Rouge crossed the line!

This is the music that our kids are listening to Moms!!! With lyrics like: "I kissed a girl & I liked it", "Oh You're a Womanizer Baby" and whatnot. Our young girls are looking up to these singers for inspiration & with adoration. What happened to young girls wanting to be like their mom when they grew up? Now they want to bare it all (or most of it), jiggling their butts on stage, singing about crap.

Purity is a joke on Mtv. A punchline to a joke. Modesty is none existent. Even the other day I read a statistic that said 75% of adults will have at LEAST 13 sexual partners before they settle down! No wonder! We've got music & people constantly encouraging our kids.

I'm angered & disgusted! The innocence of childhood is quickly fading... society is making them grow up too fast. Become little adults. Yet I feel helpless. I am only responsible for my own children, but I hate that there are SO many other kids that are suseptible to this garbage. (I'm starting to sound like my father - UGH).

I pray for each of you that you hold strong to your values as you go against what society teaches as the 'norm'.

Many blessings,
Allison