My Favorite Songs of 2012: Part 2 (Southern Gospel)

First of all today, I have an apology to make. I did not post the vlog about Les Miserables. I did vlog but it was more of me just talking about what I saw more than anything. I was not pleased with it at all. My deepest apologies. I regret to say that I disappointed myself as much as probably disappointed you my readers. I will make up for it as I did vlog about me meeting a certain influential person in my life. I will post that as soon as I can. Thank you and I hope you can grant me forgiveness this time...

Ordinary Man-The Kingsmen Quartet

The Kingsmen Quartet is one of the best Southern Gospel groups today. A few years ago I would have said differently. They have improved on their sound and musical arrangements. If you like, old-time Southern Gospel, you’ll like the Kingsmen. Ordinary Man is off their Grace Says CD which has a lot of great songs. The song starts out a tiny bit weird and has its “random moments” and I definitely would have composed a different arrangement but I’m not the Kingsmen. It talks about how all of us are nothing special but God still uses us (the ordinary man (and woman)). My favorite line is “I would never trade this peace to be a fool for lesser things. I’m rich beyond the wealth this world can hold.” It reminds me of I’d Rather Have Jesus. Despite the random arrangements, this song is great in lifting you up and reminding you of God’s Love. We are not anything special just ordinary.

I’ll Be Praying by Brian Free and Assurance

Brian Free and Assurance are my #1 favorite Southern Gospel Quartet (if you haven’t guessed by now). I would be considered a groupie (if there is such a thing in Southern Gospel) as I have been to almost every concert in or around where I live in Ohio. I’ll Be Praying for You is not my all-time favorite song but nonetheless it is very good. The songs arrangement is very upbeat but could be turned into a slow, reflective song. I like the upbeat tempo though as it reflects the purpose of the song: encouragement. The first verse of the song goes “Hello my friend is it alright, I just dropped in to talk awhile, Lately you’ve been heavy on my heart, I know that life has been unkind and you can’t count the times you cried, I just want you to know, you are not alone…” This song has amazing lyrics and I would play for it anyone going through a tough time in life. Also a superb job by the lead Bill Shivers on the verses. The unsung hero of this song however, is the bass Jeremy Lyle. The bass harmony he sings provides a nice contrast and helps to keep the song upbeat and fresh so that it avoids the “getting old and annoying” stage of almost every song you hear. Great song for those down times in life.

It’s Still the Greatest Story Ever Told by The Gaither Quartet

I am not a Gaither fan in the least. I do love the harmonies and sound of the quartet but I can’t stand Bill Gaither. He’s more about money and what sells tickets than just singing for the Lord and praising God. That being said this song is still a good song. Mark Lowry, a very good baritone (and comedian), takes the solo part in the 1^st verse. His voice is easy to listen to and he gives great expression in every song he sings. This one is no exception. His voice expresses the feeling that he’s sitting down with the Bible open in his lap reading the Christmas story to his grandkids. The lyrics of the song explain parts of the story that all add up to The Greatest Story Ever Told such as the last few lines of the chorus “…Mighty God and Fragile Baby, Here a lowly manger holds, And it’s still the greatest story ever told…” Very brilliant writing and arrangement. The story of Jesus will always be the greatest story of all.

Prior to a Prayer by The Perry’s

Prior to a Prayer was one of those songs that I always skipped on The Perry’s CD Almost Morning (which is another great song too) because I didn’t like the first few seconds of the introduction. Note to self and others: Don’t judge a song by the introduction! I still don’t like the introduction because there’s a weird chord then they just start singing the song. I would prefer a longer introduction but that’s just me. Moving past the introduction, the song is a great reflection on the hard times in life. Its minor key reflects the despondency of the situation the song writer/singer/listener is facing. It reflects the sadness and hopelessness one feels in those hard times. Then the lyrics and tempo changes to reflect on the answer to our situation: Jesus and prayer. My favorite part is the tag: “But when Jesus came, when I finally saw Him, no more burdens, not one little care, It had been different, so different, just moments ago, Faith was fading, just prior to a prayer.” It ends on an upbeat note and tempo that says you are not alone, hope is on the way, you just had to pray. The song is a reminder that in those hard times when you’ve lost all hope, don’t forget to pray. Amazing song and truth!!!

So there you have it, my Top Favorite Southern Gospel songs in 2012. Look for part 3 as well as my vlog soon.

Thanks Everyone! 

Keep Singing in the Rain

Be Happy Being Single

Christa

Learning to Be Lonely: All I Ever Wanted

My lips cannot contain

My mind cannot conceive

That He will be my Everything

And He is All I need

This past summer I received the opportunity to listen to my pastor’s preaching every Wednesday night. I’m usually teaching my little munchkins songs and Bible stories on Wednesday nights; however, for the summer we take a break. Goodness knows we (the teachers) need it greatly. I’ve always enjoyed church and listening to my pastor's messages but my mind tends to wander. I confess that I’ve had many a daydream through his sermons and missed half of what my pastor was trying to say even though he is a great preacher. This summer I determined to listen intently to what he was speaking about and to really seek God on the matters of life close to my heart. It has truly been a rewarding and eye opening summer. One of the first messages my pastor gave was on how to discern God’s will for your life. I really took that message to heart and followed what my pastor had said. I began to set aside time to read my Bible and pray. I started to change some aspects of my life that need to changing. I tried to really listen to people and take time out to be with them. I started keeping promises that I had made. I apologized more and learned how to swallow my pride instead of let it carry me away. I learned that being a good friend does not mean that I have to be a mother. I found out that trust can be easily broken and the hurt that comes from it is very hard to rebuild. The most important thing I discovered was a few days ago. I finally learned what truly all I ever wanted was.

The objective of my affection and desire has been a husband for as long as I can remember. All I ever wanted was a husband and someone to share the rest of my life with. In my mind, it’s a simple request. I was not asking for an Aaron Rodgers (although it would be nice*wink*) or a Bill Gates (bring on the shopping!!), I was just asking for a man. If he can sing, is single, and is saved, he qualifies. My desire and affections have never been satisfied as needless to say I have not found a singing saved man that happens to be single. I bet you were surprised. A friend once said, “Men are like a parking lot: all the good ones are taken and the only ones left are those that are far out or handicapped (in the mental sense not physical).“ The older I get the more I agree with her. For those women who have found a good man, keep him! You won’t find another one. The odds are very slim out there in the real world. Moving on...because my deepest desire was not fulfilled I would get frustrated and disheartened. For instance, one weekend my mom was shopping for her dress for my brother’s wedding. We went to every bridal shop in town looking for a dress. I had a great time but I couldn’t help but wonder what my experience would be like. When I shop for my wedding dress, I am truly going to savor that moment since I've waited (still am) so long for it.The dress shopping wasn't so bad, my mom found a great dress for the occasion but what was really hard was the craving that I had for that once-in-a-lifetime moment. I was determined to see the bright side of life and swallowed the sadness that threatened to ruin everything about that weekend. I’m glad I did for that weekend turned out to be one of the best weekends in my life. I attended two great Southern Gospel concerts: one for the Kingsmen and one for Brian Free and Assurance. I even had my picture taken with Brian Free and Assurance. The whole group!!!! Yay! Here’s my evidence…

Despite how wonderful the weekend was, my desire and affections still remained unfulfilled only to rise up again at the most inopportune time. I started listening to the CDs I had purchased over the weekend and started seeking God even more. I wanted an answer and I was tired of waiting for that love at first sight moment. I didn’t want to scan the pews of the church seeking a single man anymore. I felt like a lion scanning the horizon for fresh meat sometimes. I hated seeking others advice for the same problem over and over hoping that this time someone would give me a different answer. I looked for any answer to satisfy the need within. That was my problem. I looked for anything and not the one thing. So I started praying and seeking more. I was content to wait on God this time as I have discovered that His answers sometimes take a lot of time to get to you. The answer finally came and my wish to have that one thing I ever wanted was granted. It happened around midnight when God revealed it to me. All I ever wanted was… God. God was the answer to my desires and affections. It wasn’t a guy or money but it was Him. I sat there for a second and pulled my phone out to listen to the song He’s My Everything by the Cunningham Sisters. The song took on a new meaning to me and as the tears flowed gently down my face I became happy and content. I can definitively say that that moment in time was the closest I have ever been in fellowship with God. As the song continued to play and the words continue to speak to my heart, I felt gratefulness, peace, and love. Gratefulness to God for giving the lyricist just the right words, peace that God had granted my greatest desire, and  God’s love showing telling me no matter how much I mess things up I will still be loved. My desire never changed but the object of my affection had. I know realize that having a guy is not what I wanted. It was having God in every aspect of my life.

When all that I have left is Jesus

All that I can see is Him

When only He is watching over me

I’ll have the only one I’ll ever need

He’s the shoulder I have need to cry on

His face will be always turned to me

His will be the hand I hold when I am all alone

He will see when I’m falling to my knees

I am becoming more and more content to let God lead and to let me watch. I am really excited about what the future holds as I have grown so much in the past year that I can’t wait to see what God will show me next. As the Bible says for godliness with contentment is great gain. For those of you out there seeking your greatest desire, I encourage you to seek God. Only He can satisfy any desire great or small that you have. The answer may come right away but most times it takes work and effort on your part. You will find that He is truly everything you need.

Until next time,

Be Happy Being Single

Always Remember to Sing in the Rain

Christa

My Favorite Things

“Raindrops on Roses

And Whiskers on Kittens

Bright, Copper Kettles

And Warm Woolen Mittens

Brown Paper Packages all tied up with Strings

These are a Few of my Favorite Things”

                                                          

Anyone remember this song from the Sound of Music? This is one of my favorites along with Edelweiss and I Have Confidence. Since my last post was a little depressing (ok it was really depressing), I have declared that there will be no more negativity. No more!! It has been banished from the depths of this blog never to be seen again. It has been spoken (written) by the Great and Powerful Christa and shall be so. I’m done declaring now, sorry.  Moving on, as the title of this blog states, this post is about my favorite things. So when the dog bites, when the bee stings, and when I’m feeling sad…what makes me better? Glad you asked. Without further delay, here is a list of my top five favorite things…
                     

To start it off, I LOVE music. If you have known me for any amount of time, you know that music is what makes my heart beat. Without music in my life, I would not what to do. I honestly would go into a serious state of depression if I couldn’t hear or sign another note of music. My favorite type of music is A Capella. It has always been since I can remember; however, A Capella cannot provide what my first music love, the piano, can. Why? I honestly don’t know but I can surmise. It might be because when I listen to A Capella music I sit back and let the tones flood over me. When I’m stressed, I want to relax but can’t relax enough to let go. Understand? No, well then we will leave at I don’t know. With that being said, one of my favorite things is hearing a simple solo with only a piano background. My favorites are Never Walk Alone by Brian Free, Joseph’s Lullaby by Mercy Me, and God’s Been Good by Legacy Five. There’s just something about it that calms me and forces me to relax and take a big breath. Mmmm….I can just hear it now……

My second favorite thing is Southern Gospel Quartet music. Yes sir or ma’am (I’m not prejudice)! I love the sounds of the four part harmony of a good-old quartet. Tenor, lead, baritone, and bass…must admit my favorite quartet part is tenor. All-time favorite tenor is a tie between Brian Free and David Phelps. Getting off the rabbit trail, quartet music provides me with the seamless division of harmony that I need to survive. Wow!! I just blew my own mind…seamless division. Moving on, quartet music can uplift my soul in many ways and I am always up to listening to it. It’s just one of my favorite things.

My third favorite thing is a child’s hug. I teach 3-5 year olds every Wednesday night at church and have grown to love and know each and every one of them. They are so cute and say the funniest things. When I first started, two years ago, I wanted to become so close to them that they would come up and hug me at church without me asking. It took a little time but it has now become a “regular” treat. They can cheer me up any day and anytime.

My fourth favorite thing is the adrenaline rush you get after you finish reading a thriller. The ones were you have to take more than one deep breath afterwards to calm your heartbeat. Some people ride roller coasters; I read books. My favorite thriller author is Ted Dekker. I became a huge fan of his since I read House. My favorite thriller book is Thr3e by (you guessed it) Ted Dekker. If you have never read it, stop reading this blog and go out and get it now! It’s that awesome. Trust me. Have I ever led you wrong?

*Warning!! Single girl moment up ahead**

My fifth favorite thing is looking at handsome guys pictures. It doesn’t matter if they are a movie star, musician, or athlete. I love looking at them all. Their hair and eyes…..David Beckham. Oh sorry, their hair and eyes and smile and fashion sense………………….David Beckham. Oh, sorry again. Where was I? Oh David Beckham…no, no, no I left off at fashion sense. I just love a well dressed fellow who knows that purple doesn’t go with red or that 90’s sweater went out of style in the 70’s. I especially love a guy that dresses in a suit. Yes ladies, a guy in a suit is just totally awesome…………………David Beckham. Stop it Christa!!! He’s married. Ok………….what about him?

Or him?

Or him?

You can’t bottle up handsome and sell it ladies sorry.

That wraps up my top five favorite things. I hope you enjoyed reading my first “No More Negativity” blog post. In other news, next week’s forecast has a 95% chance of another Perfect Man Builder 2012 blog post, so if you liked that one, click the little follow button in the sidebar and you’ll be the first to know when it’s up. Comment on this post or on my Facebook link and tell me your top 5 favorite things.

The End….for now ;-)

Be Happy Being Single.

Always Remember to Keep Singing in the Rain.

Christa

Weary in Waiting

Just to be clear, this post was not meant for revenge or as a pity party for me. I am solely writing this because I need to. Any other single person may not feel the way I feel but I need to talk about it. I know after this is posted on my blog, my friends will text me with encouraging words and leaving encouraging comments on Facebook letting me know to keep on going. I appreciate everyone’s word of encouragement and by all means don’t stop because sometimes it’s exactly what I need. Just know, that although this specific post might not look like it, I am happy being single. This is just one sad moment out of a 100 happy ones I will write about.

My alarm sounded the theme of Batman to alert me that it was 6:30am and I needed to get ready for work. I groaned hit the snooze and rolled over. It happened again as it has been consistently every week. As I laid there contemplating if I wanted to get up or give up, the feeling of sadness came over me like a flood and I felt the pull of the chain. I got up quickly to get moving and get my mind off the sadness. I thought “Man, I have to clean this room” as I looked for an unwrinkled shirt in my clean clothes pile on the floor. I found one and went about getting the rest of myself ready for work. I’m beginning to hate these dreams. Those dreams where I’m getting married, in a relationship, or talking with my husband seems so real. I’m so happy for a fleeting second, only to wake up to the cold realization that I am alone. What have I done that is so wrong that no one will fall in love with me? Why isn’t God bringing me to him? Where is he? He is in my thoughts daily and I have felt for the longest time that he is just around the corner. So I trod on the path of singleness and turn the corner to find out he’s not there and find another corner up ahead. I push till I can’t take it anymore and just break down. This struggle has drawn me so much closer to God but I don’t know what else to do. I am reading my Bible, trying to get back into a prayer life, starting to witness more about Him, serving in the church, and trusting God but how much can one person take? How long do I have to wait? I wrote a poem once that started,

“If I have to wait a thousand years or more for you,

I’d wait until my time is through.

If I had to climb the mountain top so high

I’d not even wonder why

And if I had to swim among the fishes of the deep blue sea

It would not even phase me”

Yet, I have no idea how long I have to wait or where he is. I know for sure that my Mr. Right doesn’t live on Mt. Everest or in the Pacific Ocean. I also know for sure that I don’t have to wait a thousand years or more because I will be dead before then. I have complained, I have discussed, I have cried, I have prayed, I have worried, I have forgotten (for but a moment), I have vented, I have kept it inside….yet I have nothing to show for it except a string of random text messages and a trail of tears. I feel the pressure all around me closing in and there’s nothing I can do. I am so lost. I feel at times that people don’t understand the feelings of singles who know they are to be married and yet they’re not. I see their looks as I talk about my daily struggles because they asked me. Their looks say “Girl, chill. It’s just a guy. You’ll find him eventually. You’re just being greedy and selfish. Get over it.” Their looks show that maybe I’m a little too desperate. Sorry, but you don’t understand me.

I feel like I’m standing still and everyone has moved on with their lives and there I am, good old Christa: no sign of a husband and alone. It seems that everyone is starting a family, everyone is getting married, but here I am on the outside looking in craving for those exact things. Their dreams are coming true yet I’m still holding to the hope that that might happen to me. Some people might call it being selfish and greedy but I can’t help what I feel. Sometimes, I can’t stop those feelings from coming to the surface for all to see because I am tired of holding it in inside of me. I once heard that true joy is being happy in the good times and bad times. This is one of those bad times and I apologize but I am weary of waiting and being patient. I’m tired of looking at every single guy that comes my way as a potential mate. Yet, I will smile and force myself to think on all the blessings that God has given me. For God has been good, is good, and will always be good to me.

I will keep on going because I know this is where God wants me to be. I will keep my trust in Him because God always keeps His promises. I will be happy being single because this is God’s will for me at this moment in my life. I will remain true and faithful to my future husband. I will trod on the path of singleness to the corner up ahead because maybe this time I will be right. I will clean my room after I get home from work because I need to learn to keep a clean house. It’s raining but I’m going to throw back my head and start singing again. Music always lifts my spirit. I have a set playlist of songs on my phone so that whenever I feel this way I always have music on hand that encourages me. This is one of my favorites. It’s sung by my favorite Southern Gospel tenor Brian Free and it’s called Never Walk Alone.

Always remember to sing in the rain.

Be happy being single.

Christa