The wonder of God – psalm 139

Recently I’ve been looking at a few psalms and stuff to look for good lyric content. Where better to get worship lyrics than the word of God?

The other day I was playing my guitar, and working out some chords to perhaps attempt to write a song, or at least figure out a melody to put some words to. Then something unexpected happened; one of the strings snapped. I was displeased at this as it lashed my finger. I took the broken string and threaded it through the hoop bit that goes through the back of the guitar. I don’t know why. Then i scrunched it up in my hand, and it came out in a heart shape as above! (minus a small stem on the bottom which I cropped off the photo). What are the chances? I wondered if the heart shape was a sort of sign or something.

Earlier on today, I opened the bible app that I use from time to time. It opened on this psalm – psalm 139. What a lovely psalm. I will share it with you.

You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you. If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies. Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:1-24 NIV)

This psalm outlines just how awesome God is. He knows everything about us-how we think, what we do, everything! Before we speak, He knows the words on our tongue! Isn’t that amazing? It made me think – when we bring God praise, if He knows the words on our tongues and our thoughts and the desires of our hearts, is it in effect a sort of combo-worship session? I don’t know… It probably doesn’t work like that. Anyway, I digress.

Where can I go from God’s presence? Nowhere! He’s with us for the long haul! God is omnipotent and omnipresent, and he loves us! He created us! Before we were born, He set us apart – He made each and every one of us and His love for us knows no bounds. His love reaches everywhere from the highest of heights to the deepest depths, from the east to the west to the north to the south to the planets and across the universe. Absolutely everywhere. Theres nowhere that exists where His love cannot reach. He’s even conquered death! That’s how boundless His love is! Furthermore, He’s so awesome that darkness will not be dark to Him! I don’t know about you, but I think that’s flipping amazing!

I praise Him because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. We are intricately designed by the God of all – everything is! As a consequence, all creation reflects His beauty. And if you take a moment to pause and look out at creation, there is so much beauty there.

God is in creation; the works of His hands are spectacular and breathtaking, from the tulip fields to the snow leopard to the mountains to the coral reefs. Every part of it reflects the beauty and glory of God. Even us! We are blessed with being made in His image.

He has made me and He knows the days of my life – before I was born God was thinking about me! The same goes for you too! Isn’t that great? And He guides me in His holy ways. I feel so loved!

I do not deserve this in the slightest, but I’m so grateful to have such a loving God! His love for us is unending, unfailing and unfathomable. How wonderful is God? When I think of all He’s done… Wow. just Wow. Need I say more? WOW!

Soundtrack of my life: 2011

I didn’t blog yesterday! D: So i’l; have to do 2 today or something!

So, I was sitting here wondering what to blog, and then I thought about the soundtrack of my life. My life has a certain rhythm; apparently, the way I conduct myself has a sort of dance to it – from walking along to getting in and out a car. I love music. I love to dance. Here are the songs that have got me through 2011.

(N.B. These albums/ songs may not have been released in 2011, but they are ones that I have been listening to. I will list the album/ song and then give a clip of one song.)

So here goes, in no particular order, the stickandgooniverse soundtrack of 2011.

20 albums that got me through 2011

All things bright and beautiful – Owl City 

The sound of the seasons and new friendships. Also, a flashback to when I saw them live. A must have album!

Is for Karaoke – Relient K

Some excellent covers from one of my favourite bands of all time.
Hands all over (Deluxe Edition) – Maroon 5

Catchy tunes from misery, to runaway, to moves like jagger. I think its their best album yet.
The head and the heart – The head and the heart

I discovered this band when I saw them live. They are a soothing and sweet sound, like honey to one’s ears. They are the soundtrack of my summer, alongside Death Cab for Cutie.
Codes and Keys – Death Cab for Cutie

One of the best albums of the year. Death cab changed their setup a little bit and it makes them sound even better!!! So many good songs! And they are brilliant live!
Love Shine Through – Tim Hughes

A great album of worship songs. Heartfelt.
Michael – Michael Jackson

I know it had a lot of criticism, but I happen to like this album. It grows on you every time you play it.
Response – Phil Wickham

Phil Wickham. Amazing. Need I say more?
Soul Survivor Worship Remix – Soul Survivor

For all you christian hiphopopotami out there. Or if you like a good tune.
Supernova – 29th Chapter

29th Chapter’s final (and best) album.
Volume One – She & Him

Melodic, dreamy and sticks in your head.
Volume Two – She & Him

Even better than volume one; reviving a  style of music that was feared lost. It is lovely. Awwwww.
Wasting Light – Foo Fighters

FOO FIGHTERS are back with a pumping rock soundtrack! It is a winner!
We are the free – Soul Survivor

So many good songs, so little time…

10,000 Reasons – Matt Redman

Music to stir your soul.
Light the Sky – Soul Survivor

Last year’s album; tunes that are relevant to today.
Spirit Break Out – Worship Central

Another powerful worship album.
Danger Days – My Chemical Romance

It feels like a teen-rock rebellious album. Its good! Apparently, a lot of peeps don’t like it. I did though.
Siberia – Lights

I saw lights live last year. They are good! If you like electronic stuff, try this. (REPPIN’ THE TORONTO!)
Christmas – Michael Buble

Ho ho hold up! A christmas album? Yes! Because its christmas on sunday. Check this out its fab.

 

Stickandgooniverse Top 40 songs of 2011

 

The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie – Red Hot Chili Peppers

RHCP are back and on the attack! Listen to that funk-ay bass!

Faster – Matt Nathanson

I discovered this in a starbucks! Its happy and catchy!

Give Me Everything – Pitbull

the sound of parties.

Buzzin (Clean Version) – Mann ft 50 cent

Catchy. See above.

Paradise – Coldplay

Para para. Para dise. dun dun dundun dun. dundundun dun dundundun dun. para para paradise. Every time she closed her eyes.

Just a friend – Booker T Jones

OH BABY  YOU. YOU GOT WHAT I NEEE-EEEDD! But chu say he’s just a friend. Another starbucks discovery. I like the piano!

Just Can’t Get Enough – Black Eyed Peas

I just cant get enough of BEP.

Home is a fire (Ulrich Schnauss Remix) – Death Cab for Cutie

A good remix of a good song

Dr. Worm – Relient K

They call him dr. worm. I don’t know why. He’s a good song!

California Soul (Lincoln Lawyer Remix) – Marlena Shaw & Ya Boy

Feelin’ like the lincoln lawyer as I roll in my car.

107 Degrees – Citizen Cope

A laid back song. Good for chilling!

Louder – DJ Fresh

The sound of new beginnings. And fake swordfights. Its goanna get its goanna get its goanna get louder!

All of the Lights – Kanye West

Rapping with my sis!

My Last Song I Sing For You – Raph Oyelade

lovely song! Also, I know the guy!

E.T. – Katy Perry ft Kanye West

I don’t know how I came to like this. It just happened…

Calda Estate (Dove Sei) – Raphael Gualazzi

Learning Italian and grooving to the piano!

Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO

Because, quite frankly, everyday I’m shuffling.

Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People

The sound of night travel.

Oh Boy – She & Him

She & Him lovin’ !

Stereo Hearts – Gym Class Heroes ft. Adam Levine

Love this song! Stuck inside my head like my favourite tune.

Angels – Owl City

I recall singing this with my friend in a spar shop. Why? Who knows!

Doors Unlocked and Open – Death Cab for Cutie

A song that I taught myself on the piano. It was the sound of my summer.

Rocketeer – Far East Movement

Spring tune. Looking to the future.

On the Floor  - JLO

I know its jlo but its the sound of parties and being with friends. And showing everyone how I could breakdance, and suddenly becoming popular!

The Ballad of Mona Lisa – Panic! At the Disco

A tune for walking through town

Love, Selfish Love – Patrick Stump

I miss fall out boy. And then this came out and I was happy!

Arlandria – Foo Fighters

one word: TUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNE

Ghosts – The Head and the Heart

I love the style of music.

The World As I See It – Jason Mraz

A taster of whats to come on the ol’ Mraz front next year! Sweet song!

Who’s That Chick? – David Guetta ft Rihanna

Don’t know how I came to like this either. But I did. Who’s that chick?

Forever – Wolfgang Gartner ft Will.I.Am

Got this stuck in my head for weeks. I was shocked at the video and so will not post it.

Check it out – Will.I.Am ft. Nicki Minaj

Great track based on video killed the radio star. (Couldn’t find the radio edit on youtube sorry)

Yeah 3X – Chris Brown

Check out that dancing! ( I think this is the clean version)

Alpha and Omega – Israel & New Breed

Powerful. Great. I love this song.

Endless Hallelujah – Matt Redman

Great song about heaven (sorry about sound quality)

Love Shine Through – Tim Hughes

Another great worship song from Timmy H!

Here I Am- Kevin LeVar & One Sound

Love performing this with the pentecostal gospel choir.

I Will Run – Freddy Rodriguez

as above.

There is a King in You – Donald Lawrence & Company

as above

God is Able – Hillsong

The best Hillsong song of the past few years.

 

 

So there you have it! The songs of 2011! Hope you enjoyed them as much as I did!

 

Making music

2 weeks to Christmas. Captain America gave me a chocolate present. The calendar, that is…

Earlier on this week I was at worship band practice. This is not out of the norm for me. There I was, and donning a top hat (because, quite frankly, why not?) giving THE LORD some praise! We ran through the sunday setlist.
We also practiced some carols with a choir of volunteers. It seemed a smaller choir than last year, but they were still willing to sing it out. It was a fairly good practice.

After the choir had practised with us, we took a short break. A young gentleman approached me and told me that my dancing in worship really blessed him. I found this heartily encouraging. I do it for God, but sometimes I am very aware of the eyes of the congregation looking at me and it puts me off a little. That encouragement got me back to body popping; I roboted in worship this morning to hillsong’s you deserve.

I love to worship. I see singing and writing and playing music as a release for me. Whether its singing with the gospel choir or playing the baritone, music helps me relax.

This evening, I was jamming on my guitar. I had written a piece of music earlier this week in a bit of spare time. The lyrics I had didn’t really fit the tune and the overall composition sounded like it needed an extra something. Tonight, I picked up my guitar and played a chord sequence from that piece of music. Then I just played with the notes. What started off rocky became a sort of country/ rock tune and I got this really nice solo lined up. It had fast movements, tap strumming, the bending of notes – it was pretty good. Well, I thought it was pretty good; I’m not particularly skilled at making guitar solos. I should’ve recorded it. It was my first solo to span all the strings – it was a milestone of sorts.

I’m looking forward to the holidays, when I can relax a bit more with my music and my guitar. I thank God for music.

The chord of the week is a classic Em.
The chord progression of the month is also a classic – G D Em C.

CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST

Hey there! Today marks the first Sunday of advent, and so I feel its time to unleash upon the world this year’s christmas playlist! If you liked my autumn playlist , theres a good chance that you’ll like this too!

(There are 2 reasons for this post:

1. I have an early start in the morning and so do not wish to write a long post.
2. This is the latest in the Stickandgooniverse seasonal playlists)

So, in no particular order (because I often have it on shuffle), here goes!

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas – Michael Buble

Angels we have heard on high- Relient K

The Christmas waltz – She & Him

Deck the halls – Relient K

Baby, its cold outside – She & Him

12 Days of Christmas – Relient K

Santa Claus is thumbing to town – Relient K

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree – She & Him

 We wish you a merry Christmas -Relient K

Fairytale of New York – the Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl

The Christmas song – She & Him

Santa Claus is Coming to town – Jackson 5

Handel’s Messiah – Relient K

Jingle bells – Michael Buble

Have yourself a merry little Christmas – Relient K

Santa baby – Michael buble

Silver Bells – Relient K

All I want for Christmas is you – Michael buble

God rest ye merry gentlemen – Relient K

Silent Night – Michael Buble

Sleigh ride – Relient K

Winter wonderland – Michael Buble

O Holy Night – Relient K

Or if you prefer a comedy version, try O Holy Nightmare:

Christmas wish – She & Him

Merry Christmas, Here’s to many more – Relient K

Gloria – 29th Chapter

This is the best christmas hip hop i’ve heard. ‘lets put the Christ back in Christ-mas instead of santa claus’ BOOM!

So there you have it! The stickandgooniverse Christmas Playlist! Tis the season!

The music of heaven.

So, i’ve been playing a lot of Zelda: Skyward Sword lately (if you have a wii and haven’t got it, I highly recommend it!). The zelda games are some of my favourites of all time. I like the music of them too. My edition of Skyward Sword came with an orchestral zelda CD. The CD has some brass music and some strings and vocals, and some harp and xylophoney things too. The great fairy’s fountain theme is particularly harp-themed. I was listening to this track and thinking of the way that just hearing the music takes you back to those moments in the various games when you visit the fairy fountains. I was also thinking of how fitting the music was, and how iconic it has become over the years (it even appears in the film Scott Pilgrim vs. the world, and was quoted by director Edgar Wright as being ‘the lullaby of a generation’). I am of the Nintendo generation. I find the music iconic.

And then I thought about reality for a minute. What will the music in heaven be like? I pondered upon this thought. I wondered about the layout of heaven and whether or not different music appears in different scenarios. Like, are there orchestral movements that change as you move around? I guess I won’t know until i’m there. And when you’re closest to the throne of God, what will it be like? Will there be silence as you find yourself in awe of The Almighty One? Will it be soothing harp music? Will there be triumphant and somehow patriotic brass music stirring up your soul? Or will it be something else entirely?

I asked some people at church what they thought. One guy did not take me seriously at all and suggested that God should ‘dubstep it’. I do not feel that this will be what happens. But then again, I’m not God. I will be very surprised if I hear dubstep in heaven.

Because, lets face it, all dubstep is the same! It is though, isnt it? Yes it is. Don’t believe me? Try this formula.

Song example to be dubstepped: Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles

I heard you on my wireless back in fifty two two two two two two two two

twotwo twotwo twotwo twotwo

twotwotwotwotwotwotwotwo

tttttttttttttttt

WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB 

WUUUUUUUUUUUUUUB

WUB WUB WUB

WUUUUUUUUUUUUB

And so on and so forth. Add sounds in the background that sounds like someone constructing the entire Ikea catalogue.

So yeah, anyway I guess I’ll only find out what the music is like in heaven when I get there.

HOWEVER, even though I do not know what heaven will physically sound like, I do know some of the lyrics! Lets have a gander (I will reference a few):

 

Revelation 4

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. ⁷ The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. ⁸ Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

“‘Holy, holy, holy

   is the Lord God Almighty,’^[b]

   who was, and is, and is to come.”

⁹ Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

¹¹ “You are worthy, our Lord and God, 
   to receive glory and honor and power, 
for you created all things, 
   and by your will they were created 
   and have their being.”

Revelation 5

The Scroll and the Lamb

⁹And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll 
   and to open its seals, 
because you were slain, 
   and with your blood you purchased for God 
   persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 
¹⁰ You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, 
   and they will reign^[b] on the earth.”

¹¹ Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. ¹² In a loud voice they were saying:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, 
   to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength 
   and honor and glory and praise!”

¹³ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb 
   be praise and honor and glory and power, 
for ever and ever!”

¹⁴ The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Revelation 7

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ And they cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation belongs to our God, 
who sits on the throne, 
and to the Lamb.”

¹¹ All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, ¹² saying:

“Amen! 
Praise and glory 
and wisdom and thanks and honor 
and power and strength 
be to our God for ever and ever. 
Amen!”

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

I think its great that we know the lyrics to the songs of heaven! We can adapt these lyrics to a tune and sing alongside them! I think theres something beautiful about worshipping God with the songs of the angels and the 4 living creatures; I think its wonderful that we can echo the praises of heaven on earth.

One day i’ll find out the answer to my question about the music of heaven and it will be awesome. But until then, i’d just like to say Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!

Silver trumpets!

Today I went to some more christmas markets! I’m getting in the festive mood!

At these christmas markets, I saw two guys playing music outside the markets. They were playing christmas tunes on a couple of silver trumpets. It was lovely to listen to! They made such a full sound too, despite the fact there was just two of them there! Being a brass player myself,  this is not the easiest of feats!

I love the sound of brass music. Its so nice. And it feels christmassy too! I particularly like lower brass!

I was reading my bible in one year earlier on and I came across some music in the bible. At first this didn’t strike me as anything out of the ordinary UNTIL I noticed that it wasn’t worship music! No no no! It was something else entirely! (and, coincidentally, it is music on silver trumpets!)

New International Version (NIV)

Numbers 10

The Silver Trumpets

¹ The LORD said to Moses: ² “Make two trumpets of hammered silver, and use them for calling the community together and for having the camps set out. ³ When both are sounded, the whole community is to assemble before you at the entrance to the tent of meeting. ⁴ If only one is sounded, the leaders—the heads of the clans of Israel—are to assemble before you. ⁵ When a trumpet blast is sounded, the tribes camping on the east are to set out. ⁶ At the sounding of a second blast, the camps on the south are to set out. The blast will be the signal for setting out. ⁷ To gather the assembly, blow the trumpets, but not with the signal for setting out.

⁸ “The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to blow the trumpets. This is to be a lasting ordinance for you and the generations to come. ⁹ When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the LORD your God and rescued from your enemies. ¹⁰ Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed festivals and New Moon feasts—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the LORD your God.”

New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Usually in the bible music is used for worship! But not here!

Two trumpets of hammered silver! Note here, its trumpets, not harps or anything. Thats because trumpets are LOUD and POWERFUL and let you know that somethings going down! These trumpets are special though. They were used to make the community assemble. A different sound of the trumpets could gather the assembly! If it was blasted, different tribes had to set out. They were sort of summoning trumpets, or administrative trumpets or something. At least, up to this point they are.

Then God tells Moses a little bit more! The priests have to blow the trumpets. And if an enemy was getting up in the israelites’ grill on their home turf, they had to give them trumpets a blow. And with this blow, God would rescue them from their enemies! (sound familiar? This use of the trumpet would happen again later on!)

But not only were the trumpets a gathering tool, a priestly symbol and a sort of call for aid in war; they were also used for times of joy! They were to be sounded during festivals and over offerings to God as a memorial! Pretty interesting, huh?

God finishes this by saying “I am the LORD your God”.

Yes. Yes he is.

I guess after this, Moses got to work hammering them trumpets out of silver! And the rest, they say, is history!

I like the fact that God orders Moses to make trumpets! It just goes to show that brass instruments are heavenly things!

Autumn is coming

I’m sat here on this little leather sofa. Why am I doing this? Is it because I finished my 9 o’clock meeting at 19:15? Yes, its partly that. The other reason is because autumn is coming and its flipping cold outside! It’s the sort of chill that you get on a San Franciscan summers day, or on a regular autumn England day. I know what you’re thinking – most days in England are cold. That is quite true. However, it appears to have dropped a massive 2 degrees, thus rendering it ‘hollister hoodie weather’. They’re thicker and wonderfully cosy, as well as being stylish.

So, anyways, here I am killing a bit of time until my next meeting. I feel that this carpet is a bit busy. If you try to read something with it as the backdrop, the carpet messes with your eyes. At least i’m warm and comfy. Thank you God.

I look out of the window, and I can see that autumn is on it’s way. The leaves are browning and dropping off the trees, the winds are harsh, etc, etc. Being as I’m driving up and down in this, I have a sort of autumn playlist for the car. (my summer playlist included death cab for cutie, party rock anthem and many others). Aside from listening to Relient K’s “is for karaoke” and Phil Wickham’s “Response” (both of which are dynamite – get listening!), here is my playlist:

The Golden Age, Asteroid Galaxy Tour

I like this song because of the piano-ey bits. Also it’s dead catchy and the way the lead singer merges the words ‘get’ and ‘away’ to a sort of ‘geaway’ is interesting!

I Wish That I Could See You Soon, Herman Dune

I saw this song on a beer advert at the cinema. Another catchy one with nice bits of brass.

Neapolitan Dreams, Lisa Mitchell

I think this is the only song I know with a xylophone or glockenspiel solo. It’s nice and it sends my cat to sleep.

Fools Rush In, She & Him

Got this song on a Levi’s jeans promotion or something. She has a nice voice and it’s a bit crooner-y. This song would also get on well with Michael Bublé.

Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?, She &Him

Just discovered She & Him. Very melodic song. A couple of listens and you find yourself joining in.

In The Sun, She & Him

Ok, got a bit of a She & Him thing going on here. This song is even catchier than the last one. Brilliant. It will be stuck in your head for days.

The World As I See It, Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz is one of my all time favourite singers. His latest single is a bit different to his previous work. It’s still beautiful though.

Ghosts, The Head and The Heart

Another band I discovered recently when I saw them live as warm up for death cab. So catchy, so melodic, so good.

Coeur D’alene, The Head and The Heart

Yes got a bit of a head and the heart thing going too. Wonderful piano on this song.

Rivers and Roads, the head and the heart

A song about people moving away. A bit like my friends moving away. Nice tune though!

Down in The Valley, the Head and The Heart

Great piano solo, a proper good one to sing along to, despite the slow start.

The Ghost Inside, Broken Bells

Broken Bells is a great band. This is a great song with a nice beat.

Mongrel Heart, Broken Bells

This song changes style halfway through and then switches back. There is a brilliant trumpet solo. Marvellous!

Song For Kelly Huckaby, Death Cab For Cutie

One of my favourite death cab songs. Listen to it and you’ll fall in love with it.

Photobooth, Death Cab for Cutie

It’s a lovely song. Also, it’s about the end of the summer. Which technically is around about now!

You are a Tourist, Death Cab For Cutie

Catchy guitar riff. Great song. And the drums are wonderful.

Stay Young Go Dancing, Death Cab for Cutie

Lovely song with a beautiful melody.

Doors Unlocked and Open, Death Cab for Cutie

This song grows on me more every time I hear it. The chorus is dead catchy.

So there you have it, my autumn drive-time playlist. It gets me through that motorway drive!

I’m thankful to God for all of this wonderful music!

I will sing!

It is now over a week since I dipped my toes in the sea of blogging. Having thoroughly tested the water, its now time to jump in and swim about a bit. From standing with both feet in the water, I’ll take a running start and gracefully jump into the wordy waters. I’ll soak in synonyms, marinate in metaphors, and do other things with words that people do at times like these. If you aren’t following my train of thought here, yes I am still talking about blogging. However, what I am trying to say in more eloquent terms is that today is the day I go public and start telling people about my blog! HAHA!

Despite the fact that I haven’t told anyone about it yet, you may be interested to know that my blog has hailed to 2 different American states already, and has been liked by a few people!

So, back to the task at hand.

(Firstly, i’d like to point out that the guy in the picture up there isn’t me. Its a picture of Death Cab for Cutie that I took a couple of months ago when they performed live at the Academy. WOOP WOOP DEATH CAB!!! They’re great! Check them out!)

This year, I am doing the Soul Survivor Bible In One Year programme. Its not the first year that they have done the program – it started last year. (However, I must shamefully admit that I got as far as Christmas last year and then gave up Heres to a better run this year!! ) The program consists of an old testament passage, a new testament passage and a psalm or proverb each day. Its really good, and I heartily recommend it! Soul Survivor even have their own wordpress blog that you can look at, which gives you the passages and a reading guide at thebibleinoneyear.wordpress.com . Check it out! It broadens your mind! And its also nice to hear another person’s interpretation of the day’s passages!

Usually, before reading my bible, I like to try and still my heart, focus on God, and pray that He speaks to me through the passage(s). This morning was no different.

Today’s reading included a Psalm – Psalm 13 to be exact. I like the Psalms because they’re songs and poems to God. Some of them are just proclaiming how awesome He is, whereas others are a cry for help. Others are just like AHA! moments penned down. Here it is:

Psalm 13

New International Version (NIV)

    For the director of music. A psalm of David. ¹ How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
² How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?³ Look on me and answer, LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
⁴ and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
⁶ I will sing the LORD’s praise,
for he has been good to me.

New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

As you can probably see, Its a bit of a cry for help. King David is writing in the first half of the psalm something along the lines of (to paraphrase) “God, help meeeeeeeeeee! Please! I’m having a bit of a crisis here! Please answer me… or I’ll die! and then my enemies will be like ‘showed him lol’”. Yes, I admit, i’ve used a bit of artistic license here – I don’t think lol is a phrase used in any bible! But you get what I mean don’t you? It all helps paint the picture. King David is having a bit of a flap and he really needs God here. Did you get that? Good. Lets continue.

So, I got this far and nothing had really spoken to me from the Psalm. So I read on… and BAM! There it was! HIYOOOOO!

Lets take another look at verses 5 and 6 shall we?

 ⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love; 
   my heart rejoices in your salvation. 
⁶ I will sing the LORD’s praise, 
   for he has been good to me.

Wow. Even though David was having a major freak out (or ausflippen, if you feel like saying it in German), he decides he’s going to put his trust in God. He has faith here that God will sort his problems out for him. And David even writes that his heart rejoices in the salvation he has been given through God! He’s so happy and grateful that he knows the God who created him and can sort out his problems! And he’s equally happy that he can call on God, knowing that God will answer his prayers! David finishes the psalm with verse 6. I think this is the nicest verse of the psalm. “I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.” Wow! He doesn’t mess about with his words here – he cuts right to the core! He knows God has been faithful to him in the past, and he knows that God will remain faithful forever! So what does he do? He vocalises it! He sings! What a lovely way to be.

I read this and I got to thinking about why I sing to God and why I lead worship on a sunday morning. And to be quite honest, its for the same reason as King David – I just want to thank God because He’s been good to me! It made me think of a song which also sums it up quite well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRyTP7XwIL4

The song is called ‘Because of Your Love” and I think it was originally written by Al Gordon, one of the founders of WorshipCentral. It has a great bassline, and the lyrics really sum up why we worship God!

The chorus goes like this:

Because of Your love/ Theres dancing in my heart/ Because of Your grace/ I am free/ Because of Your faithfulness/ Theres a song that must be sung/ I will sing/ I will sing/ Because of You

There is an overwhelming fire that burns in your heart when you know Jesus. A thousand rivers could not quench this fire! Nor could the power of all the rainstorms of Britain! (Trust me, there are megaloads of rainstorms here!) And when you ponder upon what He has done for you, and what He continues to do for you every day, you just can’t help but praise Him. I might even praise Him right now!

I’ll let you into a secret. Sometimes, I just suddenly feel moved to sing praise to Him and bust some funky moves! I get right into it, because I want God to know how passionate I am about Him, and how grateful I am that He is a part of my life. So I worship, and I worship HARD! And then other people walk in the room. It can be awkward sometimes, but you gotta do what you gotta do! You’d be surprised how infectious it is as well! It spreads like wildfire, and before long, there could be a small crowd singing and dancing in worship alongside you! Theres something wonderful about people worshipping God together. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it sure is something to behold!

I’m thankful to God for what He has done for me. I’m thankful to Jesus, that He gave Himself to save me, and that He loves me unconditionally. I’m thankful to the Holy Spirit that He lives in me and works through me. I’m thankful that God even bothers with someone like me!

I try to worship God daily. Be it through song or dance or whatever means possible, I will praise Him because of His everlasting, unfathomable, unfailing love.

This Sunday, I will be leading worship at church.

I will sing The Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.

In search of the incredible

This morning it rained. In fact, most of the day it has rained on and off. This evening, it rained so hard, the signal went on the TV. Being British, most of our people would be inclined to complain about the rain. I mean, thats sort of our thing – talking about the weather. Other cultures have their own talking points; one example of this is how Italians love to talk about food, and talk in depth about what they have for lunch and dinner, even if it is the same every day. We talk about the weather. If, by chance it ventures above 15 degrees, we have been known to complain about the heat. If it goes below 10, we complain about the cold. If a few snow flakes happen to fall, there is a ruckus! Last time it snowed ‘heavily’, the London public transport stopped or something. In contrast, Canada manages to keep going day after day, despite having drastically heavier snowfall. As I woke up this morning I saw the rain and heard the harsh winds howl through the trees, causing them to sway and dance. Most people would complain about the weather, but not me. I saw something beautiful. Something that reflected the glory of God, the creator of the world. I tried to catch it on my phone :

Now that autumn is upon us, the leaves have begun to chance colour. The reds and greens in the foliage mix so beautifully, and when you just spare a moment to take it all in, its breathtaking. I thought to myself, why stop here? So I had a look around at the rest of the beauty of creation (that was in my immediate vicinity). In my opinion, plants are so beautiful. No 2 plants seem to be exactly the same! And they each carry their own charm. The shapes of the leaves, the colours of the berries and flowers – they are simply magnificent. Even cut flowers are beautiful:

Just seeing the way that each flower and plant is intricately designed is incredible! Each one carries its own individuality, and yet each one goes well with other plants. They can be truly resplendent on their own, or can be stunning when they are accompanied by companions. They truly show the glory of God’s creation. But it isn’t just flowers that are beautiful.

I looked to the skies, and noticed the clouds. Whether sultry and dark, or fluffy and light, the clouds are beautiful, and incredibly, they always manage to compliment the sky. That can’t be a coincidence! Last night the sky was glowing a pinky-purple colour. It was marvellous! But it does not stop there! Because of all the rain lately, there has been an abundance of rainbows, which are truly exquisite! Colour itself is beautiful. The concept of colour is beautiful, and the thought of designing colour is baffling. Another beautiful, yet baffling thing is time. The concept of time is beautiful, but the way it works and the fact that God created and thus exists outside of time is baffling!

BUT WAIT! THERES MORE!

Even the animals are beautiful. From anteaters to zebras, every animal is beautiful. They are all incredible in their own way. The plumage of a peacock; the fur of a cat; the pattern of a giraffe; the whiskers of a walrus – each animal reflects the beauty of creation, and thus glorifies God. It is incredible that God created all this! So many species of animal, such a wide variety of plant life, such a beautiful environment; its all so beautiful, it MUST have been created. No bang could have done this, no matter how big. Did I mention how beautiful the world is? Look at this cat!

How cute is that! Only God could create something so cute. awwww! Its squeezing its eyes shut! aww! Incredible! Beautiful! But God, in His infinite wisdom and with His unfathomable creativity, did not stop there – He brought us, the human race into the world. (Don’t believe me? Read the first couple of chapters of genesis. Its the first book of the bible.) And do I even need to say it?

Go on then, I will; we are all beautiful – each one of us carries our own beauty. We have the choice to glorify God verbally and with our actions, but the fact that we are here alone reflects His beauty! God made us in His image! By my logic, if we even look a little bit like God, this means we must be truly beautiful!

After thinking about creativity, I thought that our own God-given creativity breeds beauty. For example, music! Take the music of Jason Mraz for example! It is simply wonderful! The way he orchestrates different instruments, the timbre of his voice, the songs he writes – its incredible! One of my favourite songs of all time is ‘a beautiful mess’. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsNglM1TO5o . That song is beautiful! The way it has been written, and the use of brass and other instruments is wonderful! The lyrics are so sweet as well. It just makes me want to smile. Another wonderful song by Jason Mraz is his latest single, ‘the world as I see it’. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjP7VTHUais . The song is catchy, the lyrics are heart-warmingly romantic. The tune is lovely. In one word, this song is beautiful! The creativity of singers and songwriters (like Jason Mraz) shows the beauty of music, which is a gift given to us by God. King David wrote many songs to God in the bible (read Psalms if you’re interested). Lyrics and poetry and music are truly incredible things. They are beautiful!

I love the individuality and creativity of different musicians. And being a singer myself, I like the way that different voices sound! Some of my favourite singers are: Matt Thiessen (Relient K), Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Ben Cantelon, Jason Mraz, Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie), Adam Young (Owl City), Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and Adam Levine (Maroon 5), just to name a few. Each one carries a different sound, and their voices are each individually beautiful! And the different songs that they write and perform are beautiful.

I was listening to ‘Jefferson Aero Plane’ by Relient K earlier on, and part of the song stood out suddenly:

“Feels like/ I don’t remember/ ever/ being this tired/ before now/ my eyes were closed to/ all of/ the beauty in this world…”

Upon hearing this, I realised that most of the time in my busy little life, my eyes are closed to the beauty in this world. I’m so focused on whats going on and whats coming next that I rarely stop and take in the beauty around me. From now on, I’m going to try and pause and take in the beauty of creation!

Sometimes, I just look up at creation and the incredible beauty of the things around me and just say to God “Wow God! Your creation is simply beautiful! Its breathtaking!“

I went further than looking at music to other arts. I know i’ve waffled a bit, so i’ll try and cut this down! Film, literature and theatre are beautiful, as they show the beauty of good stories, and how entertaining they can be. Paintings, drawings and other artwork are beautiful too! They have the power to tell stories, evoke reactions and spark emotions, as well as being aesthetically pleasing.  The environment is beautiful! The way the mountains are formed, the rolling seas, sandy beaches, busy cities… Need I say more? In short, the world is beautiful! It is truly incredible! God’s creation is glorious, and through it, we have cause to bring Him praise!

But why stop there? The cosmos is stunning too! From the stars to supernovas and planets, God’s unfathomable beauty is reflected! And from what I have read in Revelation (last book of the bible), Heaven sounds even more incredible! Wow! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfjZGoXhuzE here is a lovely song about heaven by Phil Wickham.

When I step back and reflect on creation and its vast reaches, and all the things God has made and how incredibly beautiful it is, I scarce can take it in! My head nearly explodes at the thought of it! Its indescribably wonderful! Thank You God for Your beautiful creation! It takes my breath away and never ceases to amaze me!

Recently i’ve noticed that people are searching for something incredible. They just need to look around them at the world.

If people reflect on the beauty of the universe, it will blow their mind, as it continually blows mine! My mind cannot fathom it’s beauty, and my words cannot express how incredible God’s creation is! WOW!