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.”

debbieDebbie Legg is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.
Thursday, June 28, 2012 | Comments Read more...

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. 

sara
Sara Rust is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.


Thursday, June 28, 2012 | Read more...

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?


mailJoline Atkins is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 | Read more...

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.



imageAnitra Elmore is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.

Monday, June 25, 2012 | Read more...

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

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

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

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

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?



katie
Katie Pickard is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.


Sunday, June 24, 2012 | Read more...

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!


imageAnitra Elmore is your server today! Find out more about her here and don't forget to sign up for updates by email or RSS before you go.
Saturday, June 23, 2012 | Read more...