la dolce vita : Songs

Showing posts with label Songs. Show all posts

Day 94 - This is how I fight my battles!

Following on from yesterday’s story I thought I’d share a song with that you!

This is one of those songs I sing at the top of my voice (usually in the shower or in the car on my own!!) when I am feeling low or under pressure. It is an amazing way to really focus on God and not our problems. Enjoy!

Surrounded - by Michael W Smith

The word says "For the spirit of heaviness

Put on the garment of praise"

That's how we fight our battles

This is how I fight my battles

It may look like I'm surrounded but I'm surrounded by You

This is how I fight my battles

Day 83 - Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Today I just want to share a song.

This is just a beautiful song that helps me remember to focus on Jesus and not everything that happens around me.

Enjoy!

Day 60 - Roar your name

This February past I went to a wonderful conference with my bestie. Its called Passion and it happens every year at Green Pastures Church in Ballymena. The two of us have been going for nearly ten years and sometimes, like this year, we have other friends join us. Every year is full of amazing teaching and worship. This is a song that the worship team wrote especially for this year's conference, and I wanted to share it with you all.

Let's look at some of the words :

I was in darkness, living a lie

Caught in the chaos, no strength left to fight

I carried a burden too heavy to stand

Hope was a memory to all my brokenness

But then in a moment You broke through the night

You gave me a promise and hope began to rise

You lifted my head up, you opened my eyes

And now I can see that You've been good all this time

I believe faith is rising up, walls are falling down

You've done it before, You still do it now

My song will rise to you, I'll give you all the praise

With all of heaven I will roar Your name

Fear you have lost your hold on me

I'm free from the chains, my heart will sing

Jesus You're everything I need, I believe

I'll praise with the voice of victory

Singing of how You lifted me

Jesus You're everything I need, I believe

WOW! What a song! I mean I loved it at Passion because it really spoke to me about situations that I was working through, but how appropriate is it for now as well.

God is the only thing that can give us freedom - from anything that is burdening us, from any situation that is chewing us up and spitting us out, from this pandemic and every other thing that makes us doubt and fear. He is the answer. The only answer.

We've spoken so much about remembering what God has done in the past - and my challenge to you again is to think about your life, and write down some times God has really been there - even if you didn't realise before.

God is good, ladies. All the time.

Day 59 - You're gonna be okay

The first time I listened to this song was on UCB2 driving from Regent to school after dropping off the boys. By the time I arrived at work I had stopped to find the song, listened to it on repeat and had tears streaming down my face. At that time it felt as if it had been written for me and only me.

With this week being mental health awareness week, I wanted to share it with you.

Look at the words...

I know it's all you've got to just be strong

And it's a fight just to keep it together, together

I know you think that you are too far gone

But hope is never lost

Hope is never lost

Hold on, don't let go

Just take, one step, closer

Put one foot in front of the other

You'll, get through this

Just follow the light in the darkness

You're gonna be ok

I know your heart is heavy from those nights

Just remember that you're a fighter, a fighter

You never know just what tomorrow holds

And you're stronger than you know

Stronger than you know

Hold on, don't let go

Just take, one step, closer

Put one foot in front of the other

You'll, get through this

Just follow the light in the darkness

One step, closer

Put one foot in front of the other

You'll, get through this

Just follow the light in the darkness

You're gonna be ok

And when the night, is closing in

Don't give up and don't give in

This won't last, it's not the end, it's not the end

You're gonna be ok

When the night, is closing in

Don't give up and don't give in

This won't last, it's not the end, it's not the end

You're gonna be ok

———————————-

This won’t last. The feeling of loneliness, anxiety, depression, fear... and the situation we are facing now will soon be a note in history books.

God has us. And He WILL bring us through this. We just need to hold on and take baby steps - one step at a time.

Marvel’s Agents of Shield is one of my favourite programmes at the moment and one quote that stayed with me is where Jemma says

“The steps you take don’t need to be big - they just need to take you in the right direction.”

Today, if you find yourself feeling a little low, just hold on and remember -

“Give your way over to the Lord.

Trust him, and he will help you.”

Psalm 37:5

Day 52 - The UK Blessing

Today I wanted to share this video to encourage us and bring us joy.

So the video is made up of lots of different worship leaders from lots of different churches across the UK, all singing the same song - The Blessing.

It’s so important that we worship God. Even though the church buildings aren’t open yet, online bands such as Rend Collective have virtual worship sessions and there are videos (with lyrics) or most of our favourite tunes that we can sing along to.

Why?

Because we are made and called to worship and glory God.

Psalm 100 verses 1 and 2 says

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

Worship the Lord with gladness.

Come before him, singing with joy.”

‭‭

Worship is defined as “showing reverence and adoration” and so when we come to worship God we are showing our love to and glorifying Him.

And the song - read some of the words -

——————————

The Lord bless you and keep you

Make His face shine upon you

And be gracious to you

The Lord turn His face toward you

And give you peace

May His favour be upon you

And a thousand generations

And your family and your children

And their children and their children

May His presence go before you

And behind you and beside you

All around you and within you

He is with you he is with you

In the morning in the evening

In your coming and your going

In your weeping and rejoicing

He is for you He is for you

——————————

If you are like me you are reading these singing them in your head! These words are powerful. He is for us. No matter what. How encouraging is that! Listen, read, worship, repeat!

A little music!

So the other day I asked for some music suggestions that people are listening to and I got lots!! So I decided to make two playlists.

The first one is worship songs...

And the second is a real mix of songs that I think you'll all love!!!

I tried to include some of the suggestions from everyone!!!
Enjoy!

Day 39 - Who am I?

Good morning lovely ladies! Can you believe it’s the start of yet another week morning in lockdown?!

Well, it’s a Monday so I thought I’d share some music with you again.

Today’s song is by Casting Crowns and is called ‘Who Am I?’

In the song we are described as

“...a flower quickly fading:

Here today and gone tomorrow.

A wave tossed in the ocean,

A vapour in the wind.”

All of these things, in the vastness of eternity, are insignificant, fleeting - and that’s kinda what our lives are, gone in the blink of an eye - BUT the difference is that God love us more than anything.

Psalm 103: 15-17 says -

“The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field;

the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him...”

At the point when we realise that it’s nothing to do with us and EVERYTHING to do with God, that’s when we see that we need Him and that we can’t do this alone.

The song says -

“Not because of who I am,

But because of what You've done.

Not because of what I've done,

But because of who You are.”

This is the point everything changes. We stop trying to do everything ourselves and ask God for help. We stop trying to be the important one, and give the glory to God. We realise we are not worthy of anything He gives us, yet...

“Still You hear me when I'm calling.

Lord, You catch me when I'm falling.

And You've told me who I am.

I am Yours.”

How amazing is that! That’s how much God loves us. He never lets us down. And He is always right there beside us. And He wants you to know how special He thinks you are.

You. Yes - you - reading this right now. God loves YOU.

Praying you have a great week ladies, knowing that you are loved - truly loved.

Day 31 - Goodness of God

Just a wee quick reminder of what God is like...

This song is one I sing a lot in our house! It’s one of the things that keeps me focused - singing worship to God and remembering who He is - you can’t complain/be angry/be sad when you are worshipping!

The words say -

“Cause all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God”

This is so so true. God has NEVER let me down. God has NEVER been anything but good to me. And I can trust Him in everything.

Have a lovely Sunday ladies.

Day 29 - You say I am loved...

We all know the wee rhyme -

“Sticks and stones may break my bones

but words will never hurt me.”

And we all know how wrong it is.

Words are extremely important and can hurt us for longer than a broken bone takes to heal.

It’s especially difficult if you have had words spoken over you that make you doubt yourself - that you aren’t good enough, pretty enough, that you aren’t doing what you should be doing...

These words will haunt you, even if you brush them off at the time. They have a bad habit of coming back to you when you are at your most vulnerable.

Our song’s chorus says -

“You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing

You say I am strong when I think I am weak

And You say I am held when I am falling short

And when I don't belong, oh, You say I am Yours

And I believe, oh, I believe

What You say of me

I believe”

You see God tells us a completely different story. He tells us how special we are, how amazing we are, how much He loves us. It’s all there in the pages of the Bible.

He uses words like

* Masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)

* Chosen (1 Peter 2:9)

* Members of God’s family (Ephesians 2:19)

* Precious (Proverbs 31:10)

* Wise (Proverbs 31:26)

If you have had words spoken over you that are bringing you down, take some time to look at what God says about you and how He looks at you.

And read Psalm 91 again.

And again.

“He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armour and protection.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:4‬ ‭

Praying God’s wisdom shuts out the voices from outside and within today so you know exactly how special you are.

Day 24 - Easter Sunday - the GREATEST day in history!

Good morning lovely ladies!

And what a morning it is! Today we celebrate the greatest day in history. A day that changed everything.

Why is that??

Well, let’s start at the beginning - we have all got lots of skeletons in our closets - things we’ve done, said or thought that we hope no one ever finds out about. Things we are embarrassed, ashamed and horrified at.

No one knows these except for us. Thank goodness I hear you say... because if they knew, it would change the way they look at me, change the way they love me. They’d reject me for sure.

Except for God. He knows it all. He knows every single little thing. But guess what - He loves you exactly the same always.

He sees into the depths of our hearts and loves us no matter what.

How do I know this?

Because 3 days ago He sent Jesus to die for your sins, your secrets and your worst bits.

But then, on the greatest day ever, Jesus rose again!!!

This is what makes our faith different than anything else. Jesus is alive!!!

He died for us but then when He rose again He triumphed over death and hell and pain and suffering and anxiety and worry and sin... All the things that get us in a panic. All the things that we’d rather not show.

Everything!

Every single thing!

He really did mean it when He told us He would ‘overcome the world’ back in John 16:33.

Jesus is alive, ladies! Today is a day of celebration!

Even as we stay at home and stick to our lock-down rules, let’s celebrate that Jesus is alive and that He did this all for you!

Day 22 - Good Friday - the end of the beginning

Today is Good Friday. This is the day we remember the amazing sacrifice of Jesus.

Good Friday was never really a day I thought about until I started working in a clothes shop when I was 16. One of the older ladies always had to go into the store room at 3pm on Good Friday to say her prayers. We’d all be very vigilant and make sure she knew when it was exactly 3pm. It was something we laughed about as we made sure Pat knew when to pray!

But as I grew older I realised how important Good Friday really is. This is the day that changed the world.

When Jesus hung on the cross, He didn’t do that for Himself. He did it for you and for every single little thing you’ve ever done wrong in your life. At that moment He took all of that sin and made you as white as snow.

And then He said those famous words - ‘It is finished’.

In a society where we think we need to be good enough, or rich enough or do x, y and z... Jesus says its already done.

In a world where people have a million ways to be religious... Jesus says it’s all taken care of.

In a country where religion divides everyone and everything... Jesus says I am all you need.

There is no need to do anything other than confess and believe. That’s it. Jesus did everything already.

And now we wait...

Because Sunday is coming...

Take a moment and watch The Passion of the Christ this weekend. Or listen to the song I shared. He really did all of this - just for you.

Day 14 - Waymaker

I think today we all need a wee reminder of who God is. Our song says-

“Way maker

Miracle worker

Promise keeper

Light in the darkness

That is who you are”

He is the almighty King of Kings

He is creator of all things

He is God and He is good.

He created each and every star, holds the planets in place and lets the sun shine on us to bring us life.

He is the WAYMAKER who created a way for Esther to save her people in the midst of a planned annihilation of all Jews.

He is the MIRACLE WORKER who healed the sick, made the deaf to hear, the lame to walk and the blind to see.

He is the PROMISE KEEPER who kept his promise to Abraham and gave Sarah a baby even though she was way past child-bearing age.

He is the LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS, a towering pillar of fire that lead the Children of Israel through the wilderness.

Yet He is also so much more -

“You wipe away all tears

You mend all the broken heart

You're the answer to it all

Jesus”

He is the one who comes along beside us and wipes our tears. He intercedes for us when we can’t do it ourselves.

He gives us the hope and love and power to make it through each day. And He gives us each other to encourage and help along the way.

He never leaves our side. And He never gives up on us, even if we give up on ourselves.

Take a moment and thank Him for something - even if it’s just the fact that you woke up at all this morning. He did that.

God is good. All the time.

Because that is who He is.

Day 10 - The sun is rising

This song always cheers me up. If you read the words of the chorus you’ll find out why!

No matter what we are going through - in family situations, in work situations, even in this Coronavirus situation - God promises to be there with us, and we just need to stand strong as hold on.

The line ‘the night can only last for so long’ is something I love to consider if I’m having a low mood (I suffer from depression in case you didn’t know!) or if I’m going through something in life. It will be over soon. This too shall pass.

The sun is rising.

And with the sun comes a brand new day, a brand new attitude and a brand new outlook.

Always, always, look for the sun rising. ☀️

Day 5 - Truth be told

The first time I heard this song I sat in the car and cried my eyes out! Let me give you a couple of lines and you’ll see why...

Lie number one: You're supposed to have it all together. And when they ask how you're doing, just smile and tell them "Never better"Lie number two: Everybody's life is perfect except yours. So keep your messes and your wounds and your secrets safe with you behind closed doors...

Ladies - now more than ever we need to tell the truth and ask for help if we need it. Social media can be horrible when it makes us compare ourselves - when all we see are the highlights of someone else’s life - not their reality.

Or it can be a platform for good, bringing people together in a time of crisis and helping lift each other up.

So let’s use it to be real - to ask for help if we need it. To be a help to someone else if we can. To encourage each other and ask the hard questions - like how we are really feeling.

No more ‘I’m fine’.

No more ‘I’m the only one feeling like this’.

No more ‘No-one else understands’.

We are here for each other and we will get through this TOGETHER.