G is for Great and for GUNGOR!

Being that I will God willing see GUNGOR this weekend (I capitalize the band's name out of excitement and because they are awesome or course,) I want to share one of their many good songs with all who have wisely tuned in to this blog today. On their latest album, GUNGOR has decided just to make whatever types of songs they wanted to make, instead of being directed by the style that made their previous album a big hit. Instead of simply aiming to make more hits, they have decided to just be led by the words and inspirations that came while working on the album.
The result is a combination of whimsical and mystical melodies painting pictures of God's creation and the story of his love. It's beautiful when God gives talent and it is used to tell about him in such a creative and well thought out manner. Listen to one or two songs for now and meditate on the glorious moments they sing about. Read lyrics along with song.

This one is called: Let there be.

Darkness hovering

Grasping everything it sees

void empty

Absent life and absent dream

Let there be

Angels toil and crack open scrolls of ancient dreams

Countless worlds of his

Brilliant stars and breath and stream

Let there be (light)

Where there is darkness

Let there be light

Where there is nothing

Let there be light

This one is my favorite on this album called: Every Breath

Every breath

Every moment life beats in my chest

Springs up from your hand

Creation resounds

With every color and every sound

Your love is calling

I will love you with all of my heart

I will love you with all of my mind

I’ll love you with all of my strength

Love you with everything

Every breath every moment life beats in my chest

Let my life praise you

I will love you with all of my heart

I will love you with all of my mind

I’ll love you with all of my strength

Love you with everything

(repeat)

Here I am Lord

All I am Lord

Here I am Lord

I am yours

Before I'm 30...

Being that I'll be 30 this year... (craziness)
one of my "things to-do before i'm 30" is to read the entire bible. Admittedly, I started off slow at the beginning of my 29 year old life, so I'm hoping to be finished by December 2012 now, which is only a month after my birthday. Anyway, I can never forget hearing people throughout my life speaking on the Bible being the manual to our lives and especially when we decide to follow Christ and live a life holy to God. How can we do so without knowing who God is and has been since the beginning of our time? I realized that I personally claimed so much and did so little to really investigate and search out what I was talking about. I remember someone else speaking about how important it also is, not just to read God's word, but to read all of it. Every single letter and story in there has been documented with intention and meaning. It's important to know everything God has brought together in this book. And so... I find myself now, trying to read 3-6 chapters a day to attempt to read it all this year. As mentioned earlier, in the beginning it was a bit difficult to be focused and determined to do several chapters a day. But with a little push, motivation, and inspiration I am off to a great adventure and have already learned so much from God's word.

After reading this, you might not feel called to do the same challenge (or maybe you will :) ) either way I encourage you to have an active bible reading and study. I encourage you to be curious about what is in this book. There are stories that will make you wonder, question, and learn, learn, learn. You might become frustrated, joyous, or sad. Like me, you might feel as though you're looking in a mirror and discover new things about yourself. More importantly, you might discover or get to know more deeply a loving God who desires be known more by you. Who knows what God will show you and teach you? I trust it will be good things, if you seek God out with a sincere hear through his Word. So right now, I'm pushing you and hoping you will open up that Bible sitting somewhere and read it.

Leigh Nash "Out of My Bondage"

Do you ever feel exhausted from sorrow, pride, anger, failure, sickness etc...? This enchanting version of a hymn titled "Out of My Bondage" or "Jesus I come to Thee" speaks about how amidst chaos and weakness we can come to Jesus and trade it all in for his incomparable goodness and riches. I especially love this version by Leigh Nash because of the weakness and eeriness in her voice on the chorus that helps illustrate how even though we come to Jesus as imperfect and weary people, He accepts us and shares his wealth with us. Listen to this song while reading the lyrics below and be encouraged because you have everything you need in Jesus who lovingly welcomes and comforts you.

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, I come to thee
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of my sickness, into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Oh Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,
Jesus, I come to thee
Into Thy blessèd will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
Out of despair into raptures above,
Upward for aye on wings of a dove,
Oh Jesus, I come to Thee.

Out of the fear and dread of the tomb,
Jesus, I come to thee
Into the joy and light of Thine own,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
Into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Oh Jesus, I come to Thee.