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Music Monday: Fred Hammond – I will trust
Photo: Rejoice Magazine I love that music is malleable and that we are able to reinvent styles and genres and introduce sounds that may never have been recorded in a song before. It’s exciting when musicians take risks musically, especially when Spirit led. But the thing that I love the most about Fred Hammond is that a Fred Hammond album sounds like a Fred Hammond album! Uncle Fred never fails to disappoint when it comes to big vocals, big instrumentation and big songs! I’m pleased to say that all of this is evident in his latest album, titled “I will trust”, which he released in November 2014 following a double knee replacement. The operation left him wheelchair-bound and emotionally wounded. He shared: “I have two nine-inch slits going down my legs to remind me that I had to have a traumatic event. I had to learn how to walk again, but I did it and trusted God and that’s kind of what makes this album special. All of the emotional trauma that came with it.” On listening to it, one can easily pick up that the event has served to inspire and motivate the worship leader/songwriter to write fresh songs that speak of hope, perseverance and putting all your trust in the Lord. As always, the songs are Bible based and infused with the choral based Gospel sounds that we’ve come to know and love from him. I experienced moments of deep reflection, some of jubilant celebration and even moments where I wanted to shout out “Yes! Amen!”Track 1 is through and through a Gospel praise track. Titled “Festival of Praise” it is the perfect album opener and sets the tone for the rest of the album. I found myself moving into various stages of worship with each song. The album’s second song, “All the way” has a reggae feel to it and speaks about pressing on. I love the bridge of this song! You can’t help but feel encouraged and determined to run the race well. Another bridge that I loved is that of the song “His perfect love.” It says ‘Something ‘bout the love of Jesus/I was lost, it came and rescued me!’ Wow – the vocals and the lyric make it impossible to listen to that without something stirring in your spirit!Another favorite praise track on this album is “Take me to the water.” With a cool bass line, horns and a ‘funk’ vibe, this song is another one of those “typical Hammond” tracks that hits the nail on the head for those who love traditional Gospel. I also enjoyed “Try Jesus” which is a kind of an evangelical song, encouraging listeners to give Jesus a try with a bridge that says‘if you’ve tried everything/and everything has failed/come on and try my Jesus.’ Yes! Amen! “You keep on blessing me,” again with the funk and with a really catchy melody, resonated in my heart with the season I am in. It is a song of gratitude to a good God, in true Hammond style.“Only the comforter” is a really amazing ballade that speaks about our friend, Holy Spirit. This song has a contemporary rock sound to it and is basically the story telling of Acts 2 – the coming of Holy Spirit. I highly recommend it (among others), if you’re curious to have a listen to what Uncle Fred wants to share with this album. And okay, I’m going to say it: Hammond sounds a bit like John Legend on this track! I admire that Uncle Fred is able to adapt his vocal to compliment the style of the song he is ministering in – whether it be by adding some grit, belting out big notes, bringing it down to a passionate croon or even delivering some old school rap – he has a skill that only the really experienced and talented can attempt.“I owe it all to you” is another song of gratitude and recognizes God as everything and all! Hammond’s almost bluesy, choral flavor on this song drives it home, in my opinion. This track stirred feelings of thankfulness and is one that I would definitely put on repeat! It is really fitting as the closer of the album.I’ve saved the best for last: Title track, “I will trust.” Well, where do I begin! The ballad features Hammond’s daughter, Brieann Hammond, accompanying him in beautiful soprano. The track opens with Uncle Fred emotively singing about a time when he believed that he could do things on his own. ‘Some put their trust in earthly possessions/But in the end it won’t bring them through.’ In a buildup the father and daughter tag team sing the Proverbs 3:5-6 message: “I will trust in the name of the Lord!” Wow!Hammond fans, this one’s for you! Hammond newbies, this is the album to cut your teeth with! This album is a testimony of how God brought Fred Hammond through a difficult time in his life. The songs are bold declarations that refer to the amazing loyalty and love that our Daddy has for all of us. All in all it has been a pleasurable listening experience and has left me feeling rejuvenated, spiritually filled and so thankful for His faithfulness.This review was originally written for and published in Gateway News
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Our mamas&babas social&share 1st meet
This Saturday saw the start of our baby group social club, as 5 mommy’s (including me) got together to talk about mommy stuff and basically just chill it out (as best as you can with a 6 month old hanging on you).
My Curly Sue and I thoroughly enjoyed the standing play station, that belongs to host mom Lyda and her baby, Kayla. My girl spent a solid amount of time, amused and entertained by the sights, feels and sounds on the station and I totally enjoyed not having to carry all of her 9 kilograms of cuteness around. 🙂Hot topics for the day included breast pumps, starting baby on solids and co-sleeping. As you know, we co-sleep and are not yet ready to have her in her own bed yet. But I can feel the time drawing nigh, since she has recently started with solids and I am predicting that she will be sleeping right through the night really soon!Another hot topic was whether we are broody yet and if we would contemplate having another baby soon, since, we have all the gadgets and growing expertise now anyways. I mean, if you think about it, it makes sense to get all of the “growing a family” stuff out of the way, and just have all your babies in a row, since you’re used to the irregular sleeping patterns and spit up on your shirt. Not that I am interested in having another right now… or ever, for that matter. I mean, since hubstopher and I technically have a family of 3 already, I feel like I am done, thank you. He, on the other hand, is so keen for another and has already picked out names! I’ve given him an answer of “maybe… on condition that….” and am really just leaving it up the Lord!But with that said, we both realize that we have enough to handle with, with our dazed teenager, needy primary schooler and giggly baby girl. We’re good for now.
(left to right) Janine and Zach, Us, Karin and Rissa,
Tess and Josh and host, Lyda and baby KaylaLyda ended the meet off beautifully with a prayer and short message taken out of Stormy Omartin’s book “The power of a praying parent”. I love this book and find the prayers and devotionals to be short but powerful, inspiring and real soul food.From the book:“Parenting! The word itself can bring contradictory emotions to the surface. We try to do the best we can raising our children. Then, just when we think we’ve got the parenting terrain all figured out, we suddenly find ourselves in new territory again as each new age and stage presents another set of challenges. Sometimes we sail through smoothly. Sometimes we encounter tempests and tidal waves. Sometimes we get so tired that we just want to give up – let the storm take us where it will. But I have good news. We don’t have to be tossed and turned by these winds of change. Our children’s lives don’t ever have to be left to chance… Nor do we have to be perfect parents. WE can start right now – this very minute, in fact – making a positive difference in our child’s future. It doesn’t matter if the child is three days old and perfect, or thirty years old and going through a third divorce because of an alcohol problem. At every stage of their lives our children need and will greatly benefit from our prayers. The key is not trying to do it all by ourselves all at once, but rather turning to the expert parent of all time – our Father God – for help.”It goes on to explain the power of prayer and submitting to God, whilst dedicating our children’s lives to Him. I really recommend this book!Future plans for the Mama&Baba group is to invite more new moms along and to include stimulating and learning activities for our babes, as they grow. I saw a few interesting ideas online and am quite eager to try them out!Yep, I am definitely enjoying this season!xxxL -
Feature Friday: JustEllaBella
On Feature Friday I feature people, products or just random things that I think are pretty cool. My aim is to leave you a little bit more enlightened and inspired! And hey, I’m open to new things, so please hollar at me, if you have any pretty cool FF suggestions.
Just Ella Bella
My FF this week is the amazingly creative, determined and witty fellow blogger, JustEllaBella. I met Elle a couple of years ago (when we were both really skinny) via an email chat group, and we totally hit it off immediately.
Besides for sharing similar interests (crafting, writing, music, fashion, blogging), we are both also extremely good at saying how we feel… well, on paper, that is… and I later on showed her exactly how much I liked her, by making sure she marries my cousin.Together, they have 2 beautiful baby boys – angel baby Logan (whose life and death has made such a big impact on the people that have been following JustEllaBella) and Aidan, a very opinionated and intelligent 2 year old who loves crafting just as much as his mommy does.
Elle has recently given up her full time job at a local news house to commit to her blog, online shop and other ventures. She describes herself as a ‘loony toon’ but I think that she is just really fun.
Let’s see what she has to say:
1. So… who are you?
I’m a 30 year old (omw really? really?) wife, mother, freelance writer, blogger,crafter and soon to be small business owner
2. You’re a feature today, because I think you’re pretty cool 🙂 Why do you think you’re cool?
hahahahahaha, I don’t think I’m cool, ask my younger siblings I am the anti-cool…if there is one thing I like about myself is that people seem to feel comfortable around me, I like that I’m the one many of my friends and family run to for support, that’s pretty cool.3. What is your favorite thing at the moment?
My onsie, its so warm and cosy and lovely – yes you need to practically strip to use the bathroom but it makes up for it in cuteness.4. If you could change one thing today, what would it be?
I suppose you don’t mean anything too serious like an end to global warming and racism? if not I would go with not having to sit here while cleaning lady cleans, Aidan went on rampage yesterday so the place is a mess and here I sit feeling awkward…but hey I work from home, here is were my wifi is, what can I do.5. Learnt how to make anything recently? What was it?
I learn to make stuff all the time, it’s my high…I learnt to make spreadsheets on Excel last night, I know it seems like a silly thing to be proud of but I love adding to my list of things I can do (some times it’s a major fail like crocheting but hey I tried) I always struggled with spread sheets then yesterday I was like oooooh clickidy click click click, go me!6. Share your favorite tip/trick:
Always have a emergency stash in your bag (if you are a mom or anyone watching a toddler) I know this seems like a no-brainer but I’ve seen it so many times, kids freaking out at doctors and what not when a pack of raisins or a colouring book could have saved us from the dreaded tantrum…yes I still get tantrums but then I get to eat a snack while watching :p7. Imagine we’re your kids 🙂 now imagine you had to share a life lesson with us. What would it be?
Don’t give up, God has a plan, things might seem bleak but honestly, trust me on this one, things get better…
xxxL
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Being offended doesnt make you right
I’ve developed ninja-skills when it comes to holding a grudge. I mean, come on lady friends, we’re pretty good at keeping an offence, right? And the thing is this, it’s easy to be offended or angry at another persons actions. I think that the hard part is showing kindness and tolerance even when you feel the other person does not deserve it. And offence is a big pile of stinky poop anyways. There is nothing good about it. I mean, life is so short and precious and filled with way more important things than to mull around about the actions of OTHER people and how wrong I think they are! Being offended doesn’t make you right, darling. It makes you irrational.
Human beings are extremely good at this! I know of sisters who have not spoken to each other for years, all because of a little offence. “Being offended” has broken up families and relationships – much more wreckage that it is actually worth! I, myself, have been in countless situations where I sat with huge hurts on my heart and instead of sorting it out properly, I walked around with a major chip on my shoulder. Holding on to resentment is a burden… there is no freedom in it.
The funny thing (it’s funny because it’s not really funny) is that offence is TAKEN and not given – so you have the power to choose whether you want to live in this anger/hurt/hatred or not. And, you know what Margaret, ultimately you are not in control of the other persons actions. Your anger or offence will not lessen the value of their opinions or even their lives. Like, you will find no joy in it.
I think that being the self proclaimed queen of efficiency has made me look at an offence with the question: But what’s the point?! It’s not adding to my day. It’s not adding value to my life. It’s slowing me down. It’s throwing a spanner into my system. It’s stunting my growth and affecting how I make my decisions. No thank you please.
Yes, I agree, there are times when someone has wronged you and it is what it is. But YOU have the decision to forgive. Make the decision to move on and to grow. Every opportunity to forgive is a life lesson learnt, yo.
And so, my friends, even though being offended has become the new social norm (yeah, you know what I mean, we are so opinionated now a days!) I dare you to stand out. Choose freedom and forgiveness over the burden of resentment and offence. I mean, unless you enjoy feeling like a big pile of stinky poop. Which is slightly weird. Life without the poop is way better, trust me.
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Music Monday: The Arrows – Make Believe
Photo: New Release Tuesday I can’t help but be extremely proud of duo, The Arrows, when I hear one of their tracks on the radio, feeling especially chuffed at being a girl and South African and a Christian all at the same time since they are, well, girls and South Africans and God loving, all at the same time too. Needless to say I was so sad when I read that they will be splitting up. The pair posted a message on their Facebook page last week, detailing their decision to break up the band, assuring their folllowers that they each support the other’s decision. With this in mind, I decided to do a special review to their debut album, Make Believe, released in 2010. The album, which was a massive success in South Africa, has a very authentic sound in that Pam de Menezes (Now Myburgh) and Christie Desfontaine (Now Joseph) did not try to mimic the latest ‘hot and happening’ Christian band, but instead, they focused on showcasing their worship – full of flavor and spunk, with absolutely no clichés to be found!A little more about the girls: Pam de Menezes, brilliantly talented on vocals and keys, is a classically trained jazz musician. Christie Desfontaine, the cheeky and very gifted drum and percussionist, describes herself as “an atmosphere of thumpingly evangelical euphoria.” The pair were born and raised in Durban, South Africa and served passionately at their local church where Desfontaine’s mother pastors, until God opened doors for them in the broader musical arena.You may recognize the first single off the Make Believe album, titled “Love sick”. It pretty much became a household anthem after featuring in a popular KFC ad in 2010.The track serves as a very pop inspired introduction to the band and showcases their fresh sound and songwriting skills. My favorite lines are “I’m love sick and waiting for the day when You’ll make everything brand new.”Opening track, “No robots”, is an orchestra of synths and sounds, and speaks about God taking a chance on us by giving us freedom of choice, because He wants our love and not programmed robots. “Oh it’s poetry it’s genius/You don’t want robots/You want our love!”De Menezes has a tongue in cheek way of writing which is evident in songs like “Entropy” and “World Interrupted”. Both songs seems to be written as a wake up call for people to open their eyes to what is going on in the world! I love that both songs are written and performed in cabaret style, which gives greater emphasis to the lyric. And though different, it still maintains a catchy, “now” vibe, with Desfontaine on drums adding energy and flair to the repertoire.I really love “All in”, which is a sassy faith song speaking about going ‘all in’ with God and putting all your hope in Him. Again, de Menezes really has a way of saying things! It’s another synth party and a really fun song to listen to, with the message hitting home at just the right spots.Title track, “Make Believe”, is a piano driven ballade where she croons about waiting for God, her beloved, like a lovesick fool. De Menezes vocals is nothing short of pure and really adds something beautiful to the already beautiful lyric. Another beauty of a ballade is “Ode to a patient God”. This song made me feel such sorrow for friends and family who do not know the Lord. It reminded me how wonderful it is to know Him. To know that He waits for us, patiently, never giving up, because He loves us that much… and yet there are so many who do not know this love! This song really moved me.My favorite song to play in the car is “One for the brothers.” It is a dance song which speaks directly to unbelievers, again, in that sassy way that de Menezes seems to be so good at, but with a totally groovy beat and really excellent production. I especially enjoy the little bonus outtro that happens a few seconds after the song ends, during which De Menezes goes off into a rap-sing-song, urging those who do not know the Lord to “make a plan” and get to know Him. So fun! So fresh!I love how The Arrows have managed to fuse the Message with a sound that can speak to the youth of today. I found this album to be really inspiring and thought provoking, while still being able to make me dance AND enter into a beautiful moment with God. If you’re looking for something funky to play while driving home from work – If you’re looking for cool music for your birthday party – If you’re looking for something to put into your headphones or something that will stir you up and get you thinking… this is it!So I will end this off with saying a huge thank you to The Arrows – Pam De Menezes Myburgh and Christie Desfontaine Joseph. We thank you and salute you for being bold enough to write songs that say things that should be said, in this time and season and for being passionate enough to make music that is God focused, aiming the arrow of truth straight for the spirit of anyone who listens.This review was originally written for and published in Gateway News -
Allow me to explain my selfie
Ever scroll through Facebook and stop to gawk (in awe and amazement) at the beautiful and sometimes creative selfies our young people post? Oh good, it’s not just me then! I mean, how the diggens do they do it? The make up and gloss is just right, back drop is perfect, hair reflects the mood (going to work, just woke up, laying in bed etc). And then there’s a pout or the tongue is sticking out, or there’s an eye wink, or a gang sign is thrown… and suddenly I am feeling extremely old and outdated!
I remember a day and age where I was a self proclaimed Selfie Queen.
Mind you, selfies were not called “selfies” back then. I guess that’s because social media was not what it is now. I took pics mainly to document how good I think I looked (come on, you’re not taking photos of yourself to feed starving children in Africa). Nights out on the town were filled with selfie taking because, besides for capturing memories and all that, one had to document just how much of a good time you were actually having. (Question: If you went to a party and had a good time, and there are no pics to prove it, did you reeaaally have a good time? Hmmm….)
Soon, Facebook became popular and Facebook albums were a must. I probably uploaded an album every Monday morning (perhaps 2, depending on how particularly raucous my weekend was.) I was that Facebook paparazzi person. People began approaching me (while out) to ask that I take their pic. “Hey, it’s Luchae from Facebook! Take a pic of us!” I promise, that really happened, more than once! They recognized that I was that person. And I owned it like a boss.
(Exhibit A, below: The many faces and extreme obnoxiousness of a young Luchae Williams)
Since then, my life has changed. Things have calmed down and a lot of perspective has been gained. Facebook albums have been removed (or edited) and my Selfie Queen title passed down to a whole generation of “I look so good right now”-ers who are taking it to the next level.
I’ll admit, I am extremely cynical about excessive selfie taking. I often wonder if it’s just bitterness because I render myself unselfieworthy now. (That should be a word) I mean, is this a step towards degradation? Have I lost my spunk? Am I getting… gasp!… OLD?!
No. That’s not it. That can’t be it. I still have my own teeth, so I’m okay. But I do think that once you’ve passed the 30-year-old marker taking a photo of yourself just feels weird. Look, I’m not all innocent here. Let’s keep it real, I still take that secret selfie here and there. And confession time: I am an avid Snapchat selfie taker! They definitely do make me feel a little less crazy for taking a photo of myself, with my arm sticking out. Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
So, friends, what’s your selfie timeline? Be honest. Do you keep it on fleek? Okay, that was a fluke. I don’t often use the words “On fleek”. I actually don’t know how it got into this blog post. I guess it just felt like the right thing to do, at the time. Sigh… oh how the mighty have fallen…
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Choosing life for my family
Life is challenging, yo. Let’s keep it real, shall we? It’s easy to paint a perfect picture of your amazing marriage, well behaved children and super rewarding career.
But what goes down when no one is looking? The reality is that even the most amazing husband can be slightly annoying at times (and slightly more than slightly, at other times). The well behaved children are not always well behaved and the rewarding career not always the life of a rock star that you had dreamed about.
After an especially challenging week of coming home to dishes and annoying husbands and misbehaving children, you just feel like throwing in the towel and saying all the negative words you can think of! But I’ve learnt that choosing life for my family is a daily decision.
What does “choosing life for my family” even mean?
Well, I saw this message this morning and it totally says everything that I can’t: Women can make or break the attitudes of our homes. Let’s build our houses with the knowledge of God that changes our behavior, the wisdom to communicate this knowledge to others, and the understanding to live out our faith. Because “charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30.
The amazing thing about God is that He has given us freedom of choice. We have the power to choose what we allow into our lives and into our thoughts. We choose how we react to situations.
We choose what we release into the atmosphere.
And sometimes we need to guard our hearts and our mouths – especially at home yo, when we’re not wearing the masks we put on to face the outside world. Home is where we’re most comfortable and often the most unaware of how we’re affecting the atmosphere.
I was just thinking that with the heinous amount of crime (even the small stuff) that takes place on a daily basis, it is so easy to become a statistic. It’s something we do our best to guard our family against. We put up security fencing and gates. We install alarms. We take out insurance policies. We take ACTION to guard our families against the “enemy” outside. But what about the “enemy” that we allow inside?
How often do we guard our family against negative words? What I’m saying in front of my kids? What do I allow them to confess over their own lives? What are my children seeing me do? What are they seeing me NOT do? How do I handle conflict, in my home?
As the mother of my household, I try to stay aware of my attitude and decisions knowing that it directly affects my kids and husband. I mean, I’m no super hero, but choosing life for my family means that I want to TRY to be the best I can be for them.
Today, I am challenged to choose to speak life over my household. I am challenged to not entertain anything that would hinder their growth. How about you? Will you choose to be a light, wherever you are? I dare you.
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What they didn’t tell you about: “…..Then comes a baby in a baby carriage”
Luchae and Christopher, sitting in a treeK-I-S-S-I-N-GFirst comes love, then comes marriageThen comes a baby in a baby carriageAnd then comes no more cuddling or alone time or lying in bed till 11am on a Saturday morningAnd THAT’S how that poem is meant to end!It’s the part they fail to mention, when you’re all smitten, with hearts in your eyes, planning your life and your perfect family with your perfect guy. Babies are hard work! And extremely demanding! Cute, but demanding.I had a moment this morning where I suddenly missed lying in my hubstopher’s arms while watching a movie.Or just lying in my hubstopher’s arms, period.Our baby co-sleeps – something I do not regret and am planning to do until she is 1 years old and no longer breastfeeding.But until then, no cuddle cuddle for him. Or me.Fortunately, I married the best guy in the whole entire world, and he is totally patient and supports our reasons to co-sleep but I think that we need to somehow work our way around it.Maybe more date nights? Maybe put her to bed earlier?So obviously, the first thing that came to mind now was to create a romantic cuddling rendezvous spreadsheet time table, so that we could work out exactly WHERE AND WHEN we can have some time together.How special.But hey, amidst the high school drama, homework, cooking supper, worship team commitments and other stuff, fitting in some cuddle time might be near impossible if we do not schedule it.And this, dear readers, is why it is SO important to marry for LOVE 🙂xxxL
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Music Monday: Tenth Avenue North – Cathedrals
Photo: Tenth Avenue North When I popped the new Tenth Avenue North album, Cathedrals, into my CD player, I secretly hoped that I would hear something other than ‘just another contemporary Christian band’. I had a craving for something different.But before I get into the review, here’s a little background info about this American based ensemble: They are a full on band, with Mike Donehey on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Jeff Owen on electric guitar and vocals, Ruben Juarez III on bass guitar and vocals, Jason Jamison on drums and Brendon Shirley on keyboard. The group, who has had a few member changes since conception, had originally met at Palm Beach Atlantic University, releasing three independent albums before its major label debut with album, Over and Underneath in May 2008. They went on to receive the coveted Dove New Artist of the Year Award in 2009 and Song of the Year in 2010. Cathedrals is their fourth studio album and has already reached Number 1 on both iTunes and Billboard’s Top Christian Albums Chart. Lead, Donehey, had this to say about the album: ” ‘I am a cathedral of God’s spirit’ we’ve been told in Acts 17, we’ve been told in 2 Corinthians 6, we’ve been told in Colossians and Hebrews that we are a living temple of God’s spirit right?,” he asked and then explained his reasoning, “Now I’m not afraid of this big bad secular world. In fact now I know if the spirit of God lives in me, everywhere I go I make it sacred, just when I walk through the door.” According to Donehey, it was this very thought that inspired the title and content of the new album. “So many of us live in isolation and we really don’t have to,” he shared. “So the idea is: ‘Hey get in the boat with us, sail by the stars of God’s promises and reach the shore of community.’ We realize that when we start to live together, we become the cathedrals on earth. We are the place where the spirit resides. It no longer dwells in buildings but in each of us.” Powerful stuff!The band has penned most of the album themselves – which I found impressive. I love that they write together as a collective. This album was written while on the road and only features 1 or 2 guest writers, which shows the amazing unity in the spirit between the band members – which is something that I admire.Right. So when I popped the new Tenth Avenue North album into my CD player, hoping to hear something different, I found exactly that. I actually started smiling during the first few seconds of the album opener, “No man is an island.” With a sound that filled the atmosphere, Donehey begins singing, as God, beckoning us to build community and not live this life alone. Great album opener!The following track, “Stars in the night” made me intensely aware of their amazingly sharp song writing skills. These guys have something to say and want to say it straight up – no sugar coating. This pop rock song starts off with a melodic piano riff backing the vocalist who sings: “No matter where you lead we want to follow you/Trouble is we forget who we belong to.” It later on goes on to speak about grace making a way through, even when we are filled with shame and brings across a message of hope and redemption.I am a huge fan of Track 3, titled “Iesu, Dulcis Memoria”, a hauntingly beautiful Latin hymn sung by Audrey Assad. Wow! I love the sudden shift in song style and that the song serves as a prelude to title track, “Catherals”, which is one of my favorite tracks on this album. I love everything about it – from the cool kick drum that introduces us to the song; to the hook that challenges: “Let joy take temptations place!”And then the album shifts into yet another genre of rock with song “I need You, I love You, I want You”. It feels a bit out of place on this album, but totally works, serving as a nice break away from the more mid and up tempo pop rock songs. It is through and through a worship song and its title literally says more about the song than my description of it ever could!“The Spark” and “Closer”, have a much more mainstream sound. The latter has a catchy piano intro and hook. I love that they don’t ‘mince’ their words and keep lyrics to the point. The bridge, for example, says: “Well I’m embarrassed to admit/The distance I’ve been feeling/Has all been self-imposed.” I love honest lyric that puts things into retrospection.“Stay” sparked my interest. It seems like the song speaks about marriage and divorce. Coupled with interesting instrument arrangements and a catchy hook, I think this is one that you should listen to while reading the lyric (which is found in the album cover by the way – score!)The brutal honesty in “We won’t numb the pain” made me wince! The track speaks about the cheap thrills that so many in the world are falling for and really hammers home a declaration with a bridge that sings: “We won’t number the pain!/Hands reaching to the sky/Hearts ready for the fire/Eyes open til we die”. I especially love the 2nd half of the song, which is really more like an outtro, titled “Fire”. It breaks down into a melodic guitar riff and Doneheys hauntingly beautiful vocal asking God to give him “one glimpse of Your lovely light.” It really is stunning!The simplicity of “All the earth is holy ground” rounds the album off nicely, summarizing the message that the band had wanted to share with this compilation.The Deluxe Edition features 3 more songs: “Just getting by”,“Forgive me” and “For those who can’t speak” which features Derek Minor and KB.As a Tenth Avenue North newbie and first time listener, I can wholeheartedly say that I thoroughly enjoyed this album. The songs are all written with the heart of the message in mind, the production is well thought out and the vocals are on point. I get the feel that each song was assembled in a way that is quite bold – an indication that they have been on the music scene for a while and are confident with their sound and know where they are going to. If you are looking for something fresh, easy to listen to and real, give this one a go! Listening to this album made me feel like I had just been on scenic journey and I was left feeling spiritually refreshed.This review was originally written for and published in Gateway News -
Teenager 101
I am the mom of a teenager.
This daunting realization only hit me a few weeks ago (months after my son actually had his 13th birthday) when we had an argument about his hair style.
Yep, it happened. I became that mom.The boy has decided to follow the new “comb over” trend (short back and sides, top hair combed over).
Example 1:
Photo: learnhaircuts.com But instead of maintaining it, he pretty much just wakes up and runs his fingers through his hair.
So its basically short back and sides, top hair… sticking out everywhere!
Its not quite “combing over” as the hair style would imply.
He has really thick hair, albeit isn’t curly, but it isn’t exactly Justin Bieber.I am sure you can tell that my boy is everything I am not!
If I am a list maker, he would be the one to use the list to stick his gum into.
I want things to be perfect. He wants things to be easy.With this said, I am slowly learning that I cant turn him into a mini me (like when I excitedly told him he could audition for the schools drama club and he looked at me as if I had leprosy).
Our kids are not meant to be like us.
And I am making peace with the fact that God has given them each unique personalities, traits and interests.
In order to bring out the best in my child, I need to support his dream and who God has called him to be.
Even if it’s uncharted territory for me!So after the realization that I need to let go and slowly step away from the hair… I remembered MY awkward teenage years where I insisted on wearing my hair in 1 style: a ponytail at the base of my neck… and not in a cute way.
Example 2:
Photo: Google Images Just as I grew into myself and into the woman I am today, he too needs to grow into himself, all by himself… without me making him feel like a dork about it.
So this me, officially stepping away from the hair….
xxxL
