Music That Matters - You Shine (Adoration)

In keeping with this week's themm of adoration prayer, I offer you the following reflection from Music Chick:

...these ideas that seem paradoxical -- the great darkness that signifies greater light, the hurting that causes greater healing -- that I begin to get some sense of the mystery that is God. To me, the apparent paradox is not really a paradox, but our lack of ability to articulate a reality that cannot be expressed in words.
[This] refers to the great light of God, which brings me to You Shine sung by the Women of Faith team (lyrics below). Let me explain just a little – Women of Faith is an annual conference and apparently they recorded their worship sessions from one of their conferences and have sold it. I got this “by accident” through a music club, but I am glad that I have it as it has exposed me to a lot of worship music. One of my favorite verses is John 16:33: “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” This verse is reflected in this song, and reminds me again of the wondrous power of God, who has conquered all of our problems even before we experience them.

You Shine (click to listen)
Women of Faith
Album - Extraordinary Faith

Why should I feel mad,
When You made the heavens?
Why should I be afraid,
When You put the stars in place?
Why should I lose heart,
When I know how great you are?
Why should I give up,
When Your plans are full of love?

In this world we will have trouble,
But You have overcome the world!
You Shine,
Brighter than the brightest star!
Your Love,
Purer than the purest heart!
You Shine,
Filling us with courage and strength
To follow You!

Why should I feel mad,
When You made the heavens?
Why should I be afraid,
When You put the stars in place?
Why should I lose heart,
When I know how great You are?
Why should I give up,
When Your plans are full of love?

You Shine,
Brighter than the brightest star!
Your Love,
Purer than the purest heart!
You Shine,
Filling us with courage and strength
To follow You!

In this world we will have trouble,
But You have overcome the world!
You have overcome the world...!

You Shine,
Brighter than the brightest star!
Your Love,
Purer than the purest heart!
You Shine,
Filling us with courage and strength
To follow You!
You Shine,
Brighter than the brightest star!
Your Love,
Purer than the purest heart!
You Shine,
Filling us with courage and strength
To follow You!

You---- Shine----,(oh Lord! oh Lord give us courage,
give us courage and strength, to follow you!)
You---- Shine----! (to the ends of the earth! oh Lord! oh Lord!
We're gonna follow, we're gonna follow You!)

Music That Matters - Indescribable (Adoration)

Recently, Father Jim mentioned in one of his homilies the four kinds of prayer; ACTS (Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication). In cooperation with Music Chick, I am going to offer you songs and reflections throughout the next four weeks. Each week will carry a prayer theme. This week I'll begin with Adoration.

The following song by Chris Tomlin captures very well the feeling I have when I am adoring God. The sheer concept of who God is and what He does...sometimes I just have to praise and honor Him because I have no words to explain His awesomeness.

Indescribable (click to listen)
Chris Tomlin
Album - Arriving

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God


Tags: Music That Matters

Music That Matters - Celebrate You

Today we wrap up the theme of friendship with Steven Curtis Chapman's "Celebrate You" from his Signs of Life CD. Continuing on yesterday's thought, Music Chick continues her reflection:

Likewise, when we give and never take, then we never allow our friends to give and show their friendship for us, and that is as selfish and unjust as always taking and never giving. And, in many cases, I find that it takes more strength for me to show my weakness to my friends than to be a source of strength for them.

Celebrate You (click to listen)
Steven Curtis Chapman
Album - Signs of Life

I'm no stranger to your gentle reminders
That the world does not revolve around me
But no sooner have you spoken the words
Then your love comes once again to surround me
And every time I look in your eyes
I see the reflections of myself
But this time I want to look deeper
And see you and nobody else

So, tell me what you think, and tell me what you feel
I want to hear the thunder I'm so quick to steal
Listen to the dreams you're dreaming and celebrate you
Let me show you what a treasure you are
A priceless gift from heaven to this thankful heart
I want to take this lifetime to celebrate you
I want to celebrate you

I have heard you say so many times
How you're sorry you're not everything you should be
So let me tell you this one more time
There's no way you could be any more precious to me
But I know that lovely flowers and phrases
Are not what you need the most from me
You're longing for someone to listen
And that's what I want to learn how to be

I want to share your laughter
And I want to share your tears
We're gonna share this life together
And I'm gonna celebrate you
Celebrate you



Tags: Music That Matters

Music That Matters - I Will Carry You

As we continue looking at songs that reflect the theme of friendship, Michael W. Smith's "I Will Carry You" is one of two Music Chick feels describes the beauty of true friendship. She says:

This song describes for me the beauty of true friendship – the give and take, ebb and flow of relationship. It is an acknowledgment that, in friendship, there are times when we need and when we are needed, and the mark of a friendship is to be there for others in their time of need... AND to allow others to be there for us in our time of need. If we only take and never give, we are not really friends.

Do It Again (click to listen)
Micheal W. Smith
Album - This is Your Time

Sometimes I wonder if my beating heart has a reason
The thought of breathing only takes my breath away
I've spent so many nights wrestling with this feeling
Do I have the strength to make it through the day
But I was never meant
To walk this road alone
I can always trust you
When you say

I will carry you
Be your strength
And pull you through
Reach for me
And take my hand
We will pray
And we will stand
In a world
Crying out for peace
Let your heart be strong
For when I am weak
You will carry me

Sometimes You wonder if the road you're on has a reason
It's hard to go on, when you just don't know
We can shoulder all the weight of life between us
Until the fear of what we cannot see is gone
Cause we were never meant
to walk this road alone
we are bound together
When we say

Tags: Music That Matters

Music That Matters - Promise My Prayers

In tying with the theme of friendship, today's song "Promise My Prayers" by Rachel Lapa from the Girls of Grace CD offers a similar message as yesterday's song. Re-emphasizing what Music Chick hit upon earlier:

The greatest gift that we can give each other as brothers and sisters in Christ is to love each other enough to pray for each other... because while we may not know what our friends need, or know how to tell our friends what we need from them, God knows what we need... and will provide it if we ask, whether ask for ourselves or on behalf of someone else.

Do It Again (click to listen)
Rachel Lampa
Album - Girls of Grace

I'll cover, I'll cover you, I'll cover

Hey now you know it's true
After all that we've been through
You can count on me
When it comes down to the end
I will always be your friend
No matter where you go
I want you to know now

Chorus
I promise my prayers
I promise my heart
I'll be thinking of you
Wherever you are
When the daylight is done
When the night is so dark
When I cannot be there
I promise my prayers
Down each road we take
We're joined together when we pray
No matter where life leads
I will lift you up
You'll be covered by His love
The angels will find you
I'm here to remind you now

Chorus

I'll cover, I'll cover you, I'll cover

Beyond our understanding
His hand is moving and we
stand amazed
I pray His love will guide you
I know He's there beside you always

Chorus

Tags: Music That Matters

Music That Matters - Carry You To Jesus

Today's musical selection is "Carry You to Jesus" from Steven Curtis Chapman's CD Declaration. Music Chick reflects:

This song describes the essence of a faith-based friendship. There have been times in my life when I have felt at a loss as to help a friend through a difficult time – whether it be divorce, or the loss of a loved one, or abuse, or whatever. Likewise, there have been times when friends have asked me how they can help in the midst of my own despair... and I have been unable to answer that for them also. But the greatest gift that we can give each other as brothers and sisters in Christ is to love each other enough to pray for each other... because while we may not know what our friends need, or know how to tell our friends what we need from them, God knows what we need... and will provide it if we ask, whether ask for ourselves or on behalf of someone else.

Song (click to listen)
Steven Curtis Chapman
Album - Declaration

I will not pretend to feel the pain you're going through
I know I cannot comprehend the hurt you've known
And I used to think it mattered if I understood
But now I just don't know

Well, I'll admit sometimes I still wish I knew what to say
And I keep looking for a way to fix it all
But we know we're at the mercy of God's higher ways
And our ways are so small

(Chorus)
But I will carry you to Jesus
He is everything you need
I will carry you to Jesus on my knees

It's such a privilege for me to give this gift to you
All I'd ever hope you give me in return
Is to know that you'll be there to do the same for me
When the tables turn

(Chorus)

And if you need to cry go on and I, I will cry along with you. yeah
I've given you what I have but still I know the best thing I can do
Is just pray for you

(Chorus)

I'll carry you
I'll take you to Jesus on my knees

Tags: Music That Matters

Music That Matters - Do It Again

Today kicks off one of five songs dealing with friendship, courtesy of my anonymous reader, who from now own I will refer to as "Music Chick". She says of today's selection, "Do It Again" by Point of Grace's on their CD, I Choose You:

“Do It Again” by Point of Grace is, for me, a song about how God uses the friends in my life to speak to me (lyrics are below). I think one of our biggest challenges as Catholic Christians is learning to read the signs that God sends us in everyday life instead of expecting burning bushes or dark, thunderous clouds. I am blessed to have people in my life who cheer me when I’m sad, who challenge me to be a better person, who listen when I need to talk, and who envelop me in a hug when I feel vulnerable and scared. Too many times, I fight to be independent and work through things on my own rather than relying on their friendship... and that self-reliance is true for my relationship with God too; I do not like to feel helpless, but it is only in acknowledging our dependence on God that deep relationship can flourish.

Do It Again (click to listen)
Point of Grace
Album - I Choose You

Just when I think it couldn’t be
Any harder down here
Another blow comes out of nowhere
And knocks me out again
And when I think I’m all alone
The phone starts to ring
It’s just the voice I needed to hear
On the other end

Chorus
You do it again, You do it again
You speak to me just like a friend
You always seem to show up right on time
You do it again, I guess you know when
My heart needs to hear your voice
I’m so forgetful, that’s why I’m thankful
You do it again

I could be driving in my car
I turn the radio on
Trying to figure out my thoughts
Then I hear the perfect song
I can open up Your word
And not be sure where to turn
But I start to read and it’s like you know
Just what I need

Chorus

You use all these things to speak to me
Could it be you’re using me
In someone else’s life
Well I wouldn’t be surprised

Chorus

Tags: Music That Matters

Music That Matters: Barlow Girl, Jonah33

Here are three songs that epitomize the lukewarmness (is that a word?) that so many of us feel in our spiritual lives. I think that "going through the motions" is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it seems that with everything we are called to do like being a parent and spouse, our jobs, our volunteerism, etc., it good to be on "autopilot" every once in awhile. It is what keeps us sane and prevents us from feeling overwhelmed and losing sight of what is really important.

I think Barlow Girl sums it up nicely in "Never Alone" when they say:

I cry out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone
We cannot separate
You're part of me
and though You're invisible
I trust the unseen

Thanks to my anonymous reader for supplying me with another three-pack. I got it yesterday, so for you hockey fans out there, I guess this is a "hat-trick"

Click here for other Music That Matters posts.

Grey
BarlowGirl
Album - Another Journal Entry

Greys my favorite color
Black and white has never been my thing
I'll take my drink lukewarm now
Hot and cold is not the thing for me

Absolutes are hidden
I've buried my convictions

Chorus:
I cannot be blind no more
Numb to what I'm living for
Help me stop this compromise that justifies these lies
I need Your passion in this life

I don't want to impose
Who really needs to know what I believe
Cause no one likes rockin boats
And who would care to see the way I see

Absolutes are hidden
I've buried my convictions

I cannot be blind no more
Numb to what I'm living for
Help me stop this compromise that justifies these lies
I need Your passion in this life

So give me the fire, yeah
God give me Your fire
And raise this life higher

I cannot be blind no more
Numb to what Im living for
Help me stop this compromise that justifies these lies
I need Your passion in this life

I cannot be blind no more
Numb to what I'm living for
Help me stop this compromise that justifies these lies
I need Your passion in this life

Grey's my favorite color, yeah!


Never Alone
Barlow Girl
Album - Another Journal Entry

I waited for You today
But You didn't show
No. No. No
I needed You today
So where did you go?
You told me to call
Said You'd be there
And though I haven't seen You
Are You still there?

Chorus:
I cry out with no reply and
I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone.

And though I cannot see You
and I can't explain why
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You've placed in my life oh
We cannot separate
'Cause You're part of me
and though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen

Chorus:
I cry out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone
We cannot separate
You're part of me
and though You're invisible
I trust the unseen

Chorus:
I cry out with no reply
and I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone


Faith Like That
Jonah33
Album - Jonah33

I have heard about the days of old
About the men who followed You
And how they saw the Supernatural
And became the chosen few

So I come before You now
Tearing off my earthly crowns
for this one thing I have Found

I want Faith Like That
To see the dead rise
or to see You pass by
Oh I, I want Faith Like That
Whatever the cost
I'll suffer the loss, Oh I
I want Faith Like That

I'm not looking for a miracle
Signs and Wonders are things thereof
I caught a glimpse of what You want from me
and what I have is not enough

I read the story one more time
of those who gave to You their lives
With no fear or compromise

I want Faith Like That
To see the dead rise
or to see You pass by
Oh I, I want Faith Like That
Whatever the cost
I'll suffer the loss, Oh I
I want the Faith that can move any mountain
and send them to the sea
I want the Faith that can break every stronghold
That keeps you, keeps you from me

I want Faith Like That
To see the dead rise
or to see You pass by
Oh I, I want Faith Like That

I want Faith Like That
To see the dead rise
or to see You pass by
Oh I, I want Faith Like That
Whatever the cost
I'll suffer the loss, Oh I
I want Faith Like That, a Faith like that

Music That Matters - Michael W. Smith

My anonymous reader who has been feeding me with songs/lyrics and reflections must have received a large collection of CDs recently, for today I am happy to ofer you today a three-pack from Michael W. Smith's album "I'll Lead You Home"!

The songs are presented here not in the order in which they appear on the album, but in the order which reflects a journey back to the Church - back to one's own faith.

If you didn't know, you can click on the songs' titles and a new window will pop up and play the song for your listening pleasure. It may take some time depending on your connection, but please be patient - it's worth the wait. If you are using the Firefox browser, you'll have to click on the stop button, then click on the play button to hear the music. IE will play it automatically after the song loads.

Many new Catholics willingly offer their conversion stories. What we don't often get to hear or read are the stories of cradle Catholics who have either remained in the Church or who have left for periods of time and have returned.

Listen to and read the lyrics of these three songs in the order I have presented them. For me, and certainly my anonymous reader who supplies me with the material for Music That Matters, these songs illustrate the difficulty of staying faithful.

Cry For Love
Michael W. Smith
Album - I'll Lead You Home

My life is like a racing car hurtling towards the wall
At the speed of sound
My time has been so finely tuned
But I've never seen a human being so tightly wound
At times it seems beyond belief
I just need a bit of relief
Like a war-weary soldier
Marching up and over the edge
Take my hand and pull me up cause I'm falling too fast
Somehow I've lost my way - I'm cryin' save me

Chorus
Can you hear me...I'm calling out
I'm crying out...a cry for love
I can feel you...you're touching me
You healing me...my cry for love

I will be the first to admit
I don't have the strength to handle it alone anymore
I don't have to fret, don't have to explain
All my worrying's in vain
I'm not alone anymore

Why is this so hard to believe
What is mine is mine to freely receive
Like the changing of seasons
This is the beauty of the word
And for all that I have seen and heard
Oh I want to come home
Somehow I'll make my way - my way home to you

Chorus

Bridge:
Oh Father hear my call (Oh Father hear my call)
I know you'll catch me when I fall
Oh Father hear my callI know you'll catch me when I fall
Oh I pray that you'll hold me now
Hold me
And take my fear away

I'm cryin' save me
Oh I know that you can hear me
Hear me crying out for love
Oh I know that you can feel my cry for love...ooh...

I can feel you - you're calling out
You're crying out - a cry for love
I can feel you - you're touching me
You're healing me - my cry for love


I'll Lead You Home
Michael W. Smith
Album - I'll Lead You Home

Wandering the road of desperate life
Aimlessly beneath the barren sky
Leave it to me
I'll lead you home
So afraid that you will not be found
It won't be long before your sun goes down
Just leave it to me
I'll lead you home

Chorus:
Hear me calling
Hear me calling
Just leave it to me - I'll lead you home

A troubled mind and a doubter's heart
You wonder how you ever got this far
Leave it to me, I'll lead you home

Vultures of darkness ate the crumbs you left
And you got no way to retrace your steps
Just leave it to me
I'll lead you home

Chorus 2:
Hear me calling
Hear me calling
You're lost and alone
Leave it to meI'll lead you home

Chorus 2

So let it go and turn it over to
The one who chose to give his life for you
Leave it to me
I'll lead you home

So let it go and turn it over to
The one who chose to give his life for you
Just leave it to me
I'll lead you home
Leave it to me
I'll lead you home

Chorus 2


I'm Waiting For You
Michael W. Smith
Album - I'll Lead You Home

I walked this road
So very long ago
To show the way
So you would know
I walked the road
With holes in my hands in feet
To make the way
Come follow me

Chorus:
No, you are not alone
You will be free indeed
The journey begins and ends
With me
One million miles
It starts with a step or two
What are you waiting for?
I'm waiting for you

You run the race
Thinking you've almost won
Then you may find
You've only begun
You're on the road
Thinking you're far from here
And suddenly find
You're very near

Chorus

Music That Matters: Creed

It has been awhile since I have had a Music That Matters post, so I give you two recordings of the same song by two different artists. Rich Mullins, I understand, actually wrote the song based on the Nicene Creed. His version is much more "mellow" and contemporary that Third Day's "updated" version. Both versions resonate with the truths and beliefs I hold dear. My anonymous reader who sent me today's Music That Matters, has this personal reflection to share:

But at the very core of my being is a truth that cannot be denied, a belief system that is innate within me, and to which I can cling even in the midst of the greatest tempests. And that belief system is described succinctly in this song. No matter what seems to happen in my career, my personal life or my spiritual life, I really DO believe in a Trinitarian God, that Jesus is my Lord and Savior, that I am loved, that this love is not based on my merit but on the generosity of God, but that the love, while freely given, comes with responsibilities and accountability... and that my belief in the Catholic faith equally comes with responsibilities and accountability. I know that I will, because of my human nature, fall short and fail often, but that shouldnt stop me from striving and trying to be a better person, to have a closer relationship with God, and to be Christ-like in all that I do.

Creed (click to listen)
by Rich Mullins
Album - Songs


Creed (click to listen)
by Third Day
Album - Offerings II: All That I Have to Give

I believe in God the Father almighty
Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth
And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
Born of the virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate
He was crucified and dead and buried

CHORUS:
And I believe what I believe
Is what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not
The invention of any man

I believe that He who suffered
Was crucified, buried, and dead
He descended into hell and
On the third day, rose again
He ascended into Heaven where
He sits at God's mighty right hand
I believe that He's returning to
Judge the quick and the dead
Of the sons of men

CHORUS

I believe it, I believe it
I believe it
I believe it, I believe it

I believe in God the Father almighty
Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth
And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son,
Our Lord
I believe in the Holy Spirit
One Holy Church, the communion of Saints
The forgiveness of sin
I believe in the resurrection
I believe in a life that never ends

CHORUS

I believe it, I believe
I believe it, I believe
I believe it, I believe it

Music That Matters: UPDATED!

I have added full length songs (playable only) to each Music that Matters post. It may take awhile to load the song, but be patient (each is 3-5 MB).

I think I am allowed to share the full songs like this, since they cannot be downloaded or pirated.

For a full collection of the Music That Matters post, please click here.

It takes a little more time, but this way you can hear the song while reading the lyrics since it opens in a new window.

Let me know what you think!

Music That Matters: The Answer to the Question

I haven't posted a Song of the Day for the Week lately, so I am going to be posting several this week. Today's song is by a Christian band called Tree 63, and is named from their self-titled CD released March 9, 2004, "The Answer to the Question".

I recently heard this song on Air 1 again, and it brought back the memories of when I began re-listening to "Alternative Christian" music after decade of not listening to it. This particular song was getting a lot of airplay, to the point where I was pretty sick of it. Then I felt bad (that Catholic Guilt) for turing the station when it did come on because the message was good, but the song was getting on my nerves.

As I was hearing "How could I sing about anything but Him?" I felt like it was saying to me, "How could you listen to anything but Him?"

Listen to the song here.

The Answer to the Question
by Tree63
Album - The Answer to the Question

Im growing tired of a mouth shut tight
When all I want to do is
Tell the whole world about the Man sitting
At the right hand of the One in heaven
How could I sing
About anything but Him?

Chorus:
He is the Answer to the Question
He is the Cure for the Infection
He is all He says He is
He is the Ultimate Reflection
Of holiness and true perfection
He is all He says he is

How can I not cry?
Watching as the world dies
Without a prayer
They run to their own gods, roughshod
Blind to the living God of earth and heaven
How could they sing Of everything but Him?

Chorus

Written by John Ellis © 2004 mouthfulofsongs/Birdwing Music/ Near Bliss Music (ASCAP) All rights administered by EMI CMG Publishing

Music That Matters: Alive

This Week's Song of the Day (yes I meant that) is "Alive" by well known and respected Christian artist, Rebecca St. James. It's a song about renewal, about letting go of what we think will make us happy (car stereos, iPods, food, recognition, etc) and allowing God to re-energize us with the Holy Spirit!

Here's what RSJ said on her website about the song:

Listen to the song here.

Alive
by Rebecca St. James
Album - If I Had One Cance To Tell You Something

I always wanted to be free
Til I was bound and then
I always wanted my own way
Til I saw that I find my life when
I lose it

You make me come alive
You make me come alive
I found the secret
Its only when I let go of what I want in this life
You make me come alive

I used to think that me, myself and I were all that mattered
But You've shown me all this world can give
Cannot compare to the joy that comes from
Giving away

And as I follow after You
Now I need toLeave my past, myself behind
This I will do

I always wanted to be free
Til I was bound and then
I always wanted my own way
Til I saw YouTil I saw You

Written by Rebecca St. James and Matt Bronleewe©2005 Up In The Mix Music / Rambuka Music (BMI), admin. by EMI CMG Publishing / Songs Of Windswept (BMI)

Music that Matters: The Change

This week's song is a challenge. Not only is it a country song (not a big fan) but it isn't a "traditional" Christian song. It does however resonate with today's Gospel in a sense.

The Gospels this week have been centered on ways Jesus was slowly beginning to "change" the world through his miracles. His healing touch certainly changed those whom he healed (leper, blind man). They were changed so much that they couldn't hold it in as Jesus requested and told everyone they knew.

Similarly, we need to be equally as excited when Jesus heals us spiritually. Garth says that what he does is so the the world will know it isn't going to change him. I say Amen to that! Ours is a constant struggle in this secular world to keep it from changing us.

Listen to it here.

The Change
by Garth Brooks
Album - Fresh Horses

One hand
Reaches out
And pulls a lost soul from harm
While a thousand more go unspoken for
They say what good have you done
By saving just this one
It's like whispering a prayer
In the fury of a storm

And I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world will know
That it will not change me

This heart Still believes
That love and mercy still exist
While all the hatred rage and so many say
That love is all but pointless in madness such as this
It's like trying to stop a fire
With the moisture from a kiss

And I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world will know
That it will not change me

As long as one heart still holds on
Then hope is never really gone

I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me

What I do is so
This world will know
That it will not change me

Have a great day!

Music That Matters - We Live

Got the "Song of the Week" from one of my faithful readers this morning. Superchick's "We Live" is about living each day as if it were your last. Not in the secular, hendonistic tradition of Carpe Diem - taking in as many pleasures as one can without regard to the future. But in the simpler, more spiritual sense:
Listen to it here.

We Live
by Superchic[k]
Album - Beauty From Pain

There's a cross on the side of the road
Where a mother lost a son
How could she know that the morning he left
Would be their last time she'd trade with him for a little more time
So she could say she loved him one more time
And hold him tight
But with life we never know

When we're coming up to the end of the road
So what do we do then
With tragedy around the bend?

Chorus:
We live we love
We forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
Today we remember to live and to love
We live we love
We forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
Today we remember to live and to love

There is a man who waits for the tests
To see if the cancer has spread yet
And now he asks, "So why did I wait to live till it was time to die?"
If I could have the time back how I'd live
Life is such a gift
So how does the story end?
Well this is your story and it all depends
So don't let it become true
Get out and do what we are meant to do

Chorus

Waking up to another dark morning
People are mourning
The weather in life outside is storming
But what would it take for the clouds to break
For us to realize each day is a gift somehow, someway
So get our heads up out of the darkness
And spark this new mindset and start to live life cuz it ain't gone yet
And tragedy is a reminder to take off the blinders
And wake up and live the life we're supposed to take up
Moving forward with all our heads up cuz life is worth living
(emphasis added)

Chorus (to fade)

Wake up and live the life we're supposed to take up.

Amen.

Music That Matters: Smell the Color Nine

A reader has suggested that I take a song a day (I'm going to do a song a week) and post the lyrics, encourage the rest of you to listen (sorry I cannot provide the song itself - copyright infringement) and write a few lines of reflection. So, in that spirit, and hopeful with THE Spirit, I present the first song of submission. The title and lyrics follow...

Listen to it here.

[Listening to: Smell The Color 9 - Chris Rice - Short Term Memories (4:10)]

Smell the Color Nine
by Chris Rice
Album - Short Term Memories

I would take no for an answer
Just to know I heard You speak
And I'm wonderin' why I've never
Seen the signs they claim they see
Are the special revelations
Meant for everybody but me?
Maybe I don't truly know You
Or maybe I just simply believe

CHORUS:
'Cause I can sniff, I can see
I can count up pretty high
But these faculties aren't getting me
Any closer to the sky
But my heart of faith keeps poundin'
So I know I'm doin' fine
But sometimes finding You
Is just like trying to
Smell the color nine

Now I've never 'felt the presence'
But I know You're always near
And I've never 'heard the calling'
But somehow You've lead me right here
So I'm not looking for burning bushes
Or some divine graffiti to appear
I'm just beggin' You for some wisdom
And believing You're puttin' some here

CHORUS

Smell the color nine?
But nine's not a color
And even if it were you can't smell a color
That's my point...

I was introduced to Chris Rice after I purchased the Veggie Tales DVD, Jonah for my kids. He has a song on there, Billy Joe McGuffey, that my kids went nuts over. I looked him up and found other music he did that brought me back to my youth group days.

Smell the Color Nine focuses on faith. Knowing God is there when we we cannot prove it with our senses or reinforce it with a feeling of His presence. That seems to be the hardest thing of all for us. It's a Catch-22 situation many times. We ask the Lord for wisdom to know He is here, yet in order to ask for that, we have to already know.

Another good song which illustrates this is Barlow Girl's "Never Alone".

Collections: Music That Matters

Smell the Color Nine - Posted 1/30/06
We Live - Posted 2/6/06
The Change - Posted 2/15/06
Alive - Posted 2/20/06
The Answer to the Question - Posted 4/5/06
Creed - Posted 5/30/06
Michael W. Smith - Posted 5/31/06
Barlow Girl, Jonah33 - Posted 6/2/06/06
Do It Again - Posted 6/26/06/06
Carry You to Jesus - Posted 6/27/06/06
Promise My Prayers - Posted 6/28/06/06
I Will Carry You - Posted 6/29/06/06
Celebrate You - Posted 6/30/06
Indescribable - Posted 7/17/06
You Shine - Posted 7/18/06