Debbie's Favorite Song
Except
for a little stint in second grade when I took organ lessons (don’t ask), I
have never thought I had any musical ability.
I love to dance and I’ve always enjoyed good lyrics, but the music
itself wasn’t something I felt connected to.
I certainly was moved by and appreciated music, but I felt removed from
it.
Fast
forward to Christmas 2009 when I discovered I have a passion and a talent for
playing drums. Since then I’ve been
learning to hear music in a whole new way.
Move Along by The All-American Rejects is the first song that appealed to both the
writer and the drummer in me. I love the
message of the song, encouragement to keep moving forward through pain and
hopelessness. It also reminds me of the
quote, “When you’re going through hell, keep going.” (Winston Churchill)
When
I get overwhelmed I tend to paralyze and shut down. The chorus is easy for me to remember and
sing to myself, encouraging me to move and deal with things one at a time, in
the moment, rather than just stare slack-jawed at the behemoth and try to hide.
And
it’s REALLY fun to play this song on drums.
The coordination I needed for the drum pattern that starts the song took
me a bit to get, but now I have it and, in my opinion, I totally rock it. ;)
As
a bonus, the video appeals to my inner filmmaker. The concept and flawless execution in the filming,
directing and editing (not to mention the sheer patience of the lead singer)
are inspiring.
“When
all you’ve got to keep is strong
Move
along, move along, like I know you’ll do
And
even when your hope is gone
Move
along, move along, just to make it through
Move
along.”

Thursday, June 28, 2012
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Sara's Favorite Song
My passion for instrumental movie soundtracks dates back to a
series of long summer road trips with my family. And is mostly my brother’s fault. He would generally kick back on our voyages
with a book in hand and headphones a-blaring anything from the Dances with
Wolves theme song to the Forest Gump Suite. He finally confided in me that he
loved to read with this music because it brought the words to life.
So, because everything my brother does is, of course, extremely cool and must be mimicked. I
began to do the same thing. As I grew in
my faith, this music became some of my go to tunes for spending time with the
Lord. I’d listen to it when I’d pray or
journal or read the Word. There was
something about listening to the orchestra that just calmed my soul and helped
me to focus on communing with my Heavenly Father.
A few years back I stumbled across this old gem. It’s Casper’s Lullaby by James Horner from the 1995 movie Casper. I know, it’s
old, and the movie happens to be about a pudgy little ghost. The song however is quite beautiful and
endearing. I highly recommend it for the next time you want to journal or just
spend a few quiet moments with Jesus.

Thursday, June 28, 2012
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Love Song
Some people wanna fill the world with silly love songs . . .
And, yeah, most of them are way sappy.
Not this one.
I don't even remember the first time I heard this song. But, being a fan of DC Talk first (that's dating myself), and more recently of Toby Mac (solo), I heard this tune, was GRIPPED by it, and it's lyrics became a mantra for me. It became my ring-tone. My favorite running tune. The song I could play over and over without it losing it's impact.
I Was Made to Love You.
God's love for me. My love for God. This is what drives my life.
The tune is simple. But direct.
Have you heard it?
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And, yeah, most of them are way sappy.
Not this one.
I don't even remember the first time I heard this song. But, being a fan of DC Talk first (that's dating myself), and more recently of Toby Mac (solo), I heard this tune, was GRIPPED by it, and it's lyrics became a mantra for me. It became my ring-tone. My favorite running tune. The song I could play over and over without it losing it's impact.
I Was Made to Love You.
God's love for me. My love for God. This is what drives my life.
The tune is simple. But direct.
Have you heard it?

Wednesday, June 27, 2012
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A Song To Remember
My favorite song? That's easy. It's called Anitra's Dance.
It was written by Edvard Greig way back in 1875. It's a happy little classical piece that found it's way to me during those awkward teen years when I was trying to find myself.
I suppose the idea of someone having my name in the 1800's proved to validate me a bit. It probably sounds completely vain, but when you're a teenager trying to find your way in life, direction can come from all sorts of places.
There's nothing spiritual about the song, but every time I hear it, it makes me smile. It also marked a change in how I thought about my name--instead of thinking it was unusual, I began to see it as unique. It sounds ridiculous, but I also begin to see myself differently around that time too. It's amazing how a song (even one with no lyrics) can have such an impact on your life.
When I think about it, most of the major transitions in my life have had a special song as the soundtrack. As I prepared for this post, I realized how God has always used a specific song (or songs) to usher in and get me through each new season. Of course, not all of them are as much fun to listen to as "Anitra's Dance," but they've been just as instrumental in impacting my perspective and shaping who I have become.

Monday, June 25, 2012
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Nicole Nordeman wrote Katie's Favorite Song
One of my favorite singer/songwriters is Nicole Nordeman.
She is one of my most favored because, with so many of her songs, when I sing
along, I feel like I am personally speaking with the Lord through the
gorgeous lyrics and music she has written. She writes lyrics that express an understanding of faith which seems very familiar to
my heart. When I sing those special words, I truly feel as though I am having a private moment of worship…just Him and
me. I am so grateful to Nicole for sharing her gift of music such that I may
connect with my Lord in such a powerful and meaningful way.
I love so many of Nicole’s songs, but the one I love the
most, the one that makes my heart stir every time I hear it, is “Every Season.” The words are sheer poetry to me. I share the lyrics and a link to the
music below:
Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You in children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You in children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer
And even when the
trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and what’s to come
You are autumn
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and what’s to come
You are autumn
And everything in time
and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you when branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you when branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter
And everything that’s
new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring
Take a couple of minutes of your time and be blessed by this beautiful video someone made of my favorite song.
What music has stirred your heart as of late?

Sunday, June 24, 2012
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What's Your Favorite Song?
"Sing, sing a song. Sing out loud, sing out strong..."
If those lyrics sound familiar to you, you probably grew up in the 70s. I can't remember where I first heard it, but "Sing" (or is it called "Sing a Song?") was always one of my favorites as a child.
Every now and then, it will pop up on my mental juke box, bringing with it some fond childhood memories. It's just one of those songs that takes me back and gets me humming, while sparking a little smile and some strange looks from my kids.
Songs are powerful that way. And, this week, your DFF servers will be sharing some of our favorites. Tune in to hear about songs that have inspired, encouraged and brought a little joy along the way. Perhaps you'll discover something new for your play lists and if you have a favorite to share, we'd be thrilled to hear about it!

Saturday, June 23, 2012
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