MUSIC MONDAY~ "Save A Place For Me"

I have not blogged a Music Monday in a while! I love listening to positive, encouraging music each day. It's one of the many ways God ministers to me and I am lifted up. I primarily listen to our local Christian station here in Corpus Christi, TX, 91.7 KBNJ. Nothing like our home town radio station! On occasion, I also listen to nationally syndicated stations K-LOVE and AIR1. Check out KLOVE & AIR1 web sites to find a station close to you or listen to any of these three on the Internet!

Back to Music Monday~ A song I've been hearing a lot on the radio lately is called "Save A Place For Me" by Matthew West. As I listen to the lyrics of this song, I long for my home in heaven more and more. I think about the many people in my life who have left this earth to be with the Lord in their home in heaven. I think about my niece, Brittney Jennings who was taken from this earth at the age of 17 this past November, just 4 months ago. I think about all the many friends and family Britt left behind so suddenly~ those who still think about her energy, her life, and her love. How we didn't get to say "good-bye". I think about Britt's boyfriend Sean, who, through Brittney's death, know's in his heart there IS a God in heaven... He looks forward to seeing Brittney again along with his baby brother who also passed at a young age when Jesus takes him there.

May the Lord encourage us through this song~




This song was made for "Tanya" from Janet.


I dedicate this song to any person grieving the loss of a loved one; that they may find encouragement that anyone who is in Christ Jesus and has left this earth has a place prepared for them in heaven and with Jesus by their side, they are saving a place for us as well. Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4 (New Living Translation)

Music Monday! In God We Still Trust

This song is by Diamond Rio and it speaks to my heart as it may to you as well. I wanted to share it with my friends and loved ones as we come off of the 4th of July weekend. Think about the lyrics as you listen and watch the video... Enjoy!

Music Monday! Stand in the Rain

I have always loved SuperChick! Their music rocks. This song is called "Stand in the Rain" ~ from the "Beauty from Pain" CD and has been a song that has ministered to me a number of times when I'm in a place of doubt, fear, sadness and overwhelm. I've shared "Beauty from Pain" with friends (sending them the SuperChick CD), because the ENTIRE CD is awesome.

Listen to the lyrics, absorb them,
and be strengthened!

Music Monday! Whatever You're Doing

This song by Sanctus Real reminds me that when I go through the valleys of life, God is at work and I simply need to surrender to Him so He can do something "heavenly" ... larger than life. May this song also minister to you.

Music Monday! Perfect People

My sister, Traci, was visiting from WA state over the past couple weeks and just left yesterday to go back home. We had a great time visiting and Traci soaked as much of the sunshine as she could during her short time here. While visiting, Traci had a couple job interviews and was offered a new position that she's accepted starting next August. She's a Middle School Language Arts teacher and has had the desire to move to south Texas since she visited in April of last year (2008). Just this past December, she made the decision to pursue career opportunities in the Corpus Christi area and I'm so excited that she took this step of faith and will be moving down very soon.

Over 2008, Traci had experienced a number of personal challenges and trials, but God in His love and sovereignty has been turning her hardships and trials around with His favor and blessing all for His glory. It's so exciting to see (and experience) how God restores, renews, and heals those who seek Him diligently... exactly what my sister has been doing and God has been blessing her tremendously. (earlier post)

This past week, both my sister and I discussed our personality characteristics of "perfectionism"... a characteristic that can be very negative. My own "perfectionism" in life has often left me feeling like an inadequate failure never being able to measure up. As I've grown my relationship with Christ and let go of my need to be perfect, He has set me free. I constantly thank God that He does not expect me, my sister, or anyone to be "perfect". My sister and I have heard this song on the radio a number of times while she was visiting, and I wanted to share it as a dedication to my sister and any other "perfectionist" out there in blog land. May this song minister to you as it has ministered to my sister, Traci and I...

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scarred
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Perfect People by Natalie Grant

Music Monday! Dreams

This song by Michelle Tumes inspires us to have vision, faith and power to believe in our dreams. God plants dreams and desires in our hearts to give us hope and to grow our faith in Him. Have faith and power to believe in your dreams!



I'm a huge "Dreamer"!How about you?
Think about this~ What "dream" do you have right now that God has planted in your heart?

Music Monday! You've Got a Friend

I love listening to music! Often times when I'm doing housework, I turn the TV on the higher cable stations that have the different genres of music and listen to a variety of songs from the TV (cranked loud of course!). I usually listen to the Pop Christian genre, but this week, on one day, I stumbled on the "Soft Rock" genre and stayed there while I made dinner. Most of the soft rock tunes were from the 70's and 80's; it was refreshing and brought back many memories as I heard songs I haven't heard in YEARS! I've selected a classic "soft rock" made popular by James Taylor in the early 70's for Music Monday!


James Taylor - You've Got a Friend (Beacon Theatre 1998)

As I listened to the lyrics of this song, I thought of the many different people that have come and gone in life over the years (see this post). As I got on YouTube and listened to the lyrics again, I had such a revelation of the description of the "friend" being described... this song is describing my now BFF, Jesus! Jesus is always there for me... I just need to call out His name... and He's there for me wherever I am... the chorus says it all:

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

Music Monday! Shackles

When I became a Christ Follower in my late 30's, I was literally set free (like the butterfly in this video). And as God would have it, within the first year of my conversion, I participated in the Bible study by Beth Moore called "Breaking Free". Through the work of Christ on the cross, through God's word, and through applying the teachings of the "Breaking Free" Bible study to my life, I am truly free! How awesome to come to a place of complete freedom in Christ... to take the shackles off my feet so I can dance and live out God's purpose for my life.

I love to crank the music in my house and just let loose in dance~ worshiping and praising God for the freedom He has given me/us. Have you let loose in dance unto the Lord lately? Give it a try... pick out your favorite Christian music and praise Him... it is so joyous and liberating!




It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Music Monday! Above All

With Easter this week, I've been reflecting on Jesus' death and resurrection; specifically on the power of the cross and what Easter really means to me. I hope you take time to enjoy the lyrics of this video and allow God to speak to your soul through this Easter week.

Above All by Michael W. Smith



For God so loved the worldthat he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in himshall not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16 NIV)

But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities;the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,and by his wounds we are healed.(Isaiah 53:5 NIV)

Music Monday! Hold Fast

This music video is dedicated to all those individuals who might feel helpless, hopeless, desperate, and broken hearted. If you're feeling empty, alone or confused, be encouraged today that there is One who knows your feelings, He loves you, and He can help you. The Lord hears your cries. His promises to you are faithful. His timing may be different than yours and His method may not look like you thought it should, but He is still the God who hears and answers prayer. Above all remember, “He is for you.” I've been in the deep valley of brokenness and can tell you, don't give up, you are not alone. HOLD FAST...

Hold Fast by Mercy Me

Do you want to know more about how you can
have a relationship with the One who can help?

Click Here for more information...

or call 1-888-NEED-HIM

Prayer: Lord, in these desperate times we're in right now, I pray for each person reading this post~ that what ever trial or challenge they are going through, that your love, comfort and peace is revealed in their life and that they will have renewed hope and strength. Lord, help us all not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we each present our requests to you, and that as we do that, Your peace which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus. I know that each person reading this post is here by your divine intervention; there is no such thing as coincidences. My prayer is that you to do a work in our hearts to draw us closer to you; help us each seek you everyday, putting our faith and trust in You alone. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen

Music Monday! We Live

Take time to listen to this song today, thinking of those in your life you love...

We Live by Superchick

..."We live, we love, we forgive and never give up, 'cause the days we are given are gifts from above,
And today we remember to live and to love...

Think About This~ Life is so precious and each passing day so easily taken for granted. Cherish each day as if it could be your last... show those who are important to you your love for them through words and actions.

Make a point to hug a loved one today and tell them, "I love you". Or call a loved one on the phone to tell them how much they mean to you. Surprise someone in your family with a sincere act of service (make a favorite meal, play a game with a child, give a back rub, etc...)

Music Monday! All That Matters

All That Matters by Addison Road



Think About This~ Are YOU "Free 2 B U"... or do you fall into the trap of being a "people pleaser"?

As a former "people pleaser", I know the "Love that's set me free" As a result, "I am FREE2Bme" ... I have an audience of One, "changed by grace, saved by Love"..."that's all that matters to me".

Music Monday! Go Light Your World

I love music, especially Christian music.

So starting today, I will feature a music video every Monday, that has a great message and is inspirational. Often times when I listen to a certain song, I shut my eyes, internalize the message, and pray the lyrics back to God with heartfelt worship... it really is powerful and uplifting.

This following video helps us to remember to "take your candle and go light your world". MAY YOU BE ENCOURAGED!

Go Light Your World by Chris Rice

...let your light shine before men,

that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NIV)

THINK ABOUT THIS~ Where will you shine your light this week?