CD: "The Glorious Unfolding" Steven Curtis Chapman

I cannot tell you how much we love "The Glorious Unfolding" CD.  It was such a blessing to see SCC in person back in September and hear him sing some of these songs.  I listen to this CD over and over.  It seems each one of the songs has a personal meaning for me.  I highly recommend this CD for you; it will make a great Christmas gift! 

One of my favorite songs is called Take Another Step.  Here is a video where SCC talks about this song. 

Here is the song. 



I can't tell you how well this song fits how I have felt the past 7 months. From everything going great when we found out I was pregnant to everything turning dark.  Now every day has been taking another step, one day at a time, not sure why this happened but trusting God when it doesn't make sense to our minds.       

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #36: Choosing to See

I have wanted to read Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman and was excited to find it available at our local library. It was a quick read for me, and I highly recommend this book.

I have been a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman and his music for many years. On May 21, 2008 their daughter Maria was killed in a tragic auto accident. In this book, Maria's mother writes about the very personal journey of grief she is traveling.

This is a very touching book. It is not just about the loss of their sweet Maria though; it is also about the choice we have to see God all through life and how our plans are not always the same as what He has for us.

I have seen various people in my life deal with grief and loss. Some use their loss to point others to Christ; others are just use their hurt to hurt other people. Mary Beth Chapman does a remarkable job in this book sharing how she and her family are trying to do the best they can to point others to Jesus as they travel this hard path He has made for their family.

Have a day of blessings!

Song: "Miracle of the Moment" by Steven Curtis Chapman

There is a wonderful song that came on my iPod last week as I was driving. It is called "Miracle of the Moment" by Steven Curtis Chapman. I appreciated the lyrics and wanted to share them today.

We can't change the past and we can't look forward into the future. All we have is this moment and we need to live our moments to the fullest.Whether they are happy or sad moments, God gave us each one.

Have a day of blessings!

"God Is it True (Trust Me)" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Last week I put in a CD as I was driving. This song came on, and I paid attention to the words as I was driving. These are great lyrics.

If you read my blog you know SCC is one of my absolute favorites. His latest CD is full of songs totally from his heart after the loss of their daughter Maria.

I hope this song blesses you today.




Come back tomorrow for a music giveaway (unrelated to this song but one I'm very excited to share with you!)

Have a day of blessings!

SCC's new release

Steven Curtis Chapman's new album "Beauty Will Rise" was released on Tuesday, November 3. I'd heard one of the songs ("Heaven Is the Face") previously on the Internet and was looking forward to hearing the rest.

As I expected, this is another wonderful album from SCC. These songs are clearly written from the heart of a Daddy's struggle after losing his little girl. Most of you probably know their daughter, Maria, was killed in a tragic accident May 21, 2008.

I've seen SCC in concert twice since then. I clearly remember one thing he said as he spoke about that day. At the time of the accident he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to sing again. He had to ask himself if he really believes the words to the songs he's been writing and singing all these years. He came to the conclusion that yes, he does believe and they aren't just words to him. In the songs in this album he clearly has questions but you can also see his hope and his faith that he will see Maria again.

I feel like these new songs will bless many who are walking through their own difficulties. The questions and doubts are real but the faith is God is real too. At this time I can't really choose a "favorite" song to share from the album. The lyrics of several of them touched my heart. I will share these in future posts though.

Have a day of blessings!

Friday Favorites: Christmast #3

On this Friday before Christmas, I've chosen the song "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." I have always loved singing this song and although there are many other songs I could have included in my favorites, this one is always at at the top of my list! As I've been thinking about this song I didn't know if I knew what "hark" means so I looked it up. It means to listen.

I always loved the angels in the story of Jesus' birth. Angels are involved many times....to tell Mary she's pregnant and also to tell Joseph to accept Mary. Then later angels come to tell the shepherds that Jesus has been born. I can't imagine how scared I'd be if I saw an angel but then to have the whole heavenly host filling the sky! Can you imagine such a sight?

Have you yourself heard the news the angels came to proclaim? Christ was born! Isn't that exciting! I mean really exciting! I hope you will celebrate this Christmas remembering our King who came as a baby.

There is another version of this song at Steven Curtis Chapman's website also. Here is that link. It is on the music page on his Christmas CD.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
'Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.' " Luke 2:10-14

Happy Veteran's Day! SCC song

I read that SCC (Steven Curtis Chapman) wrote a song in honor of our veteran's. You can read about it here and also find a link to listen to the song if you sign up for his newsletter. SCC also has a new video up speaking about the song and the visit that inspired it here. It is an amazing song! Just wanted to share.

Memory Verse #45

Last week's verse made me think of the song by Steven Curtis Chapman called "Yours" as someone mentioned in their comments when I posted the verse. Everything really is God's, and this verse is a great reminder of that fact. We get caught up in the world too often and forget that this earth is not ours. Praise God for being the Creator of such a beautiful world for us. He desires our praise and adoration.

This week's verse is I Timothy 6:17:

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."

SCC interviews

You can listen to interviews this week on Focus on the Family of Dr. Dobson with Steven Curtis Chapman. It will be done in three parts this week.

The God of All Comfort

Chapman family interview

The interview with Steven Curtis Chapman will be on Good Morning America tomorrow (Wednesday) speaking about their loss of their daughter Maria. They'll be on Larry King Live on August 7.

Just a little FYI for those of you who are following their story. You can see more information at House Mix.

SCC concert!

We had the wonderful opportunity to attend a concert with Steven Curtis Chapman. I'd seen him in concert before when I was in high school. We saw him do a show at Six Flags one summer. I've been following the blogs about his family closely since the tragic loss of his daughter Maria on May 21. Last night's concert was a benefit for the Mid Cities Pregnancy Center. (I plan to talk more about this in another post later next week.) I read on one of the blogs that SCC would begin his concerts again starting last weekend and found one in Texas so I ordered tickets back in June.

We arrived at our hotel only to find out it was the wrong hotel! I didn't really pay attention to the address; I just knew it was close to the location of the concert. My husband assumed I had booked the same hotel where we usually stay when we're in the Metroplex, and I didn't know it wasn't the same hotel by the address online! We went to check in and the clerk told us we had the wrong hotel! The right hotel was a few miles up the road (and a much nicer facility actually than our regular hotel).

After unloading we changed and went to eat. From our hotel room window I could see Don Pablo's in the next shopping center. We went over there and it was shut down to our surprise! We chose Olive Garden instead. Keep in mind it is 4 o'clock in the afternoon. We were told we'd have to wait 5 or 10 minutes. I was laughing inside at this situation. I couldn't see behind the scenes to see what the hold-up would possibly be; however, I was really getting tickled watching these three ladies try to seat the guests. There was one family waiting in front of us and then after they were seated another couple came in who apparently had already put their name on the list. Our meal was delicious and we made it down to the church for the concert at five. We didn't know what kind of traffic we'd come into on a Friday afternoon so we figured we'd get there and be early.

There was already quite a few vehicles at the parking lot. We got out and started walking towards the building. I figured we could at least find a shade tree. The doors were unlocked though so we went in and got in line! There were three or four entrances that were blocked off but lines were forming at each. We got in a line and waited. I stopped in one line first but then JMP saw another line that was shorter so we went to that door. We were near the front of the line. When it was time to go in at 6, we made our way down to the front of the auditorium. We were on the end of row 6! I was excited because in my dream of how it would happen we were up in the balcony far from the stage.

The concert started a little after 7. It was only SCC (his band wasn't with him) so it was a very personal concert. He played his guitar and a keyboard and talked a lot. I can't describe how amazing it was to be there and hear his stories. He started with the song "Blessed Be Your Name" and said he didn't know if he'd ever be able to sing a concert without singing that song. It was the song, more of a cry he said, that came to mind on the afternoon of May 21. It touched my heart to hear him speak of the hope his family has. He mentioned that word over and over through everything he said. He clearly has been though a devastating loss yet he is looking to God for his strength each day. He shared the encouragement he's found in Psalm 138.

I was excited that he sang two of my most favorite songs: "I Will Be Here" and "One Heartbeat at a Time."

Afterwards we talked about how genuine and sincere he is in all the things he said and his music. It was such a blessing to be able to go! We were both blessed to hear him speak from his heart about the hope he has. One thing he said he's learned through the tragedy is how all of the meanings of all his songs have changed so much to mean so much more to him now after what his family has been through.

Here are 2 pictures. It was hard to take a picture with the lighting. Having the camera on night shot made the picture blurry and if I put it on a different mode, it came out too dark!

Continue to lift up this family in your prayers as they approach the two month mark since the accident.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8

Friday Favorites: USA Songs #3

When I was thinking of what song to use this week on my Friday Favorite, the song "This Land is Your Land" came to mind. I think the reason I like it is because we sang it in elementary music class. It seems like we memorized it too. I just remember singing it a lot! I like the words and the tune.

I hope you have a great weekend! I am looking forward to going to a SCC concert with my husband. I'll let you know about that in another post!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you." Psalm 26:2, 3

Cinderella

Watch this! It is so sweet, SCC talks about why he wrote the "Cinderella" song. It is such a sweet song...if you haven't heard it, you need to! It is a great song for parents. You can hear the song first and then about 5 minutes in he talks about why he wrote it.

Pray for the Chapmans

My heart was saddened to find out this morning that the Chapman's little girl Maria was killed in a tragic auto accident. Please keep this family in your prayers. Here is an article about the accident. Here is another article on KLOVE and you can see a picture of her with her Dad.

I read in the paper this morning also about a 2 year old who was run over while they were in the driveway looking at stars with Dad. Another family to pray for......

Friday Favorites: SCC #3

I have only more of my SCC favorites for today and next week I'll have a new theme, which I need to pick! I love so many SCC songs, but for my last favorite I have chosen "Let Us Pray." This is a catchy, upbeat tune that I enjoy hearing but I also appreciate the words. Here is a link to hear the song on SCC's site. It is song number five. Here are the lyrics.

When I hear this song, I am reminded it is important to pray anytime. I Thessalonians 5:17 says simply "Pray continually." What does it mean to you to be praying continually? Last week I read an article in a Focus on the Family publication about prayer called "Stick to It" by Rhonda Maller. It had some tips on how to incorporate prayers throughout your day. One of the things that has been helpful to me is to write the person's name on a stickie note and put it somewhere you will see it regularly. When you see it, say a prayer for that person. There were many prayer requests I heard this week (more than normal it seemed) so I tried this idea and really liked it. Other ideas included waiting before answering your phone and praying for the caller before you answer, praying as you pass accidents on the road, and praying for cashiers as you wait in line. I thought these were good ideas of times to pray that I don't always think about saying a prayer.

When I see prayer requests on message boards or blogs, they always get many responses that people will be praying. It always makes me wonder if everyone remembers to pray for these requests. I'm sure many people are sincere, but I sometimes will forget if I wait to pray. I have found it is best for me to just say a prayer right then and there if I say I'll pray for someone.

I mentioned before you can find all of SCC's songs on his website where you can listen through the various albums. My favorite album is "All About Love" which I received for Valentine's Day a few years ago. A few more of my favorite songs include: "Go There With You," "When You are a Soldier," "More to This Life"and "Treasure of You."

Have a great day! Thanks for stopping by.

~~~~~~~~~~~
"To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." Martin Luther King Jr.

Friday Favorites: SCC #3

This week I went to SCC website to look through all of his songs. If you go to the music section you can listen to all of his songs. I absolutely love this song called "His Strength is Perfect." I didn't realize it was one of SCC songs, but when I saw it on the list I knew I had to include it on my favorites.

When I hear this song, it reminds me to rely fully on God. I need to lean on Him because in my own strength I won't be able to do everything He wants me to do. He is there to help carry the load.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7

Friday Favorites: SCC #2

Last week I found this song online and was so excited to find it so I could share it on my Friday Favorites. It is on SCC new CD called "This Moment," which I blogged about a while back. I loved the song One Heartbeat at at Time. It really touched my heart when I heard it the first time.

Here is a link to SCC playing and singing a portion of the song. He talks and then plays and sings. Enjoy!




I also wanted to include a link of the full version of the song if you'd like to hear it.




I hope all of you Mommies, whether you are a stay at home Mom or working outside the home, enjoy this song and know you are making a difference. I think as a Mom sometimes we tend to forget that all the little things we do really do matter. We may not have solved the problem of the country's rising gas prices or finished all the laundry. But we have kissed away tears, sang silly songs, and made birds with Play Doh, making memories that will last a lifetime. We can get burned out if we're not careful. It's important to take time for yourself amidst your busy days of raising babies. Find something you do for YOU and make time for that. Hopefully you have a husband who will enjoy spending some quality time with your child so that you can take some time to be refreshed.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend. JMP took off today and Caleb told him let's go to the donut shop first thing this morning. He thought I put Caleb up to saying that but I hadn't even mentioned it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”--Forest E. Witcraft (I never knew where this quote came from but this is who came up when I searched for it.)

Friday Favorites: SCC #1

I finally decided to do my favorite songs sung by Steven Curtis Chapman for April's theme. It seems all the themes I choose are very hard to narrow down to 4 or 5 favorites. One of my SCC favorites I already chose for February's "our songs," so that will give me an extra choice this month! I just changed my song for my first pick, so if you saw my blog earlier it had a different song!

Today for my first favorite I've picked God is God. This song really comforted me after our miscarriage. I included some of the words in our Christmas letter that year....."God is God and I am not." We don't understand the things that happen to us in our lives. We are mere humans and He is our Creator. That is so hard to fathom! When I think that he knows the stars and the number of hairs on each head, my mind is just amazed. We can't see the whole situation, but He knows every step before we take it. This song encourages me, and I hope it blesses you today too.

This video is beautiful and shows some pretty scenery. Hope you enjoy it!


Hope you and your family have a wonderful Friday and weekend!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day." Psalm 119:89-91

CD: "This Moment"

I got the new Steven Curtis Chapman CD "This Moment" yesterday. He's always been one of my very favorites. We got an ad recently from Lifeway that you could pre-buy the CD for 9.99 so we did that last week and picked it up yesterday. You can hear some of the songs on here. I really like the "Cinderella" song, I always have liked growing up, parent/child type songs.

My favorite song on the CD though is called "One Heartbeat at a Time." When I was listening on the way home, it made me cry. I just thought it was beautiful. You can listen to it yourself here (Click on the side where it says Listen to the Demo) and then see the lyrics too if you'd like.

------------------------------------------

And to go along with the song, one of my favorite sayings :)

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove.....but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." -- Author Unknown