All Access

How Great is Our God

Melanie - February 2, 2012 - Comments (0)

I saw this video on someone's Facebook page today and thought it was too amazing to not share with y'all. It's a little long, but it's worth it.

How Great is Our God. Amazing!

How Great

Sophie - January 16, 2012 - Comments (0)

So I know that today is a holiday, sure to be filled with all manner of laid-back goodness, and I can't think of a better way to start off your day than to listen to this version of How Great Is Our God from Passion 2012.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20

Love Came For Me

Sophie - December 26, 2011 - Comments (1)

I realize that we're all probably a little sluggish this morning considering that yesterday was more than likely chock-full of excitement and activity and food and celebrating and maybe even some repeated viewings of A Christmas Story (which, by the way, our eight year-old watched for the first time and loved).

But this morning I woke up thinking about a song that sweet Paige Greene mentioned to me earlier this week. It's a mighty fine way to hold tight to the miracle of Christmas in the days, weeks and months to come.

Merry Christmas, y'all. All of us here at AllAccess just love you to pieces.

Love Came Down

Melanie - December 22, 2011 - Comments (0)

Our worship leader sang this song at church last Sunday and it's been with me ever since.

Not to sound like Linus, but this?

Is what Christmas is all about.

This the everlasting wonder

Sophie - December 8, 2011 - Comments (2)

I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't know the words to "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus." We sang it every single Christmas (and several times a season, at that) in the Methodist church where I grew up, and by the time I was a teenager I could sing most of the verses without even looking at my hymnal.

And, you know, I thought it was a perfectly nice song. A pretty song. Perfectly suitable for the Christmas season.

But a few years ago, "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" settled into my heart in a whole new way. The lyrics were suddenly so profound to me that I could barely sing the first five words without fighting back tears.

This year I'm especially struck by the last part of the third verse:

Leaving riches without number
Born within a cattle stall;
This the everlasting wonder,
Christ was born the Lord of all.

May we all be overwhelmed by the everlasting wonder of Jesus' birth this Christmas.

Is there one particular Christmas song that means more to you than any other?

Beautiful, scandalous night

Melanie - December 2, 2011 - Comments (0)

Thank You, Lord

Sophie - November 23, 2011 - Comments (0)

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:7

The purest place

Melanie - October 19, 2011 - Comments (0)

This is an older song, but it's been on steady rotation at my house lately and just thought it might speak to all of us today.

It really is enough

Sophie - October 10, 2011 - Comments (0)

While I won't bore you with all the various and sundry Life Developments that are going on in our little corner of the world right now, I will tell you that the day-to-day stuff at our house has been a smidge overwhelming for the last month or so. It's nothing bad, mind you, but sometimes when I think about everything that needs to get done over the course of an average day (family, work, house, writing stuff, feeding people, deadlines, etc.) - well, I want to crawl over to the nearest corner and put my fingers in my ears and shut my eyes and figure out how to make all the responsibilities go away.

I think we can all agree that that whole crawling-in-a-corner thing reveals a deep level of maturity on my part.

This past week was particularly challenging, but this morning at church we sang a favorite worship song that helped to put everything back into perspective. I hadn't heard this one in awhile, so even though the lyrics were familiar, they were also fresh and new. I love it when that happens.

Hope your week is a great one, y'all.

His grace is enough!

A worship flashback & great new music, too

Sophie - October 5, 2011 - Comments (0)

Our worship leader at .MOM was the deeply gifted Melissa Greene, and she was FANTASTIC. She led us with such humility and intention, and she has that unique, God-given ability to lead and completely fade away at the same time. She was such a blessing to all of the women who were there.

Melissa used to sing in the Christian group Avalon, and Saturday afternoon she led us in a few of the old Avalon songs. When I heard the opening notes to "Testify to Love," I looked at Melanie and said, "Oh, I'm gonna need some room for this one" - and I scooted about two feet away from her so that I had plenty of room to move.

Listen. Sometimes you just have to get your arms in on the worship action, you know?

Anyway, I just wanted to mention that Melissa has a new solo CD, and if you were at .MOM and want to hear some of those beautiful songs again - well, the CD is the perfect opportunity.

Hope y'all are having a great week!

The Stand

Sophie - September 5, 2011 - Comments (0)

After a weekend that can only be described as College Football Overload (CFO for short), our little family is spending Labor Day with my parents. They drove over yesterday afternoon, and we've managed to work in some quality time at Steinmart (Mama and me), some quality time at the bookstore (Daddy, D and our little guy) and some quality time with homemade mac and cheese (all of us).

And apparently - at least judging by the level of congestion I woke up with this morning - I've also managed to work in some quality time with the plague. I was unaware that the plague and I had been hanging out AT ALL, really, so color me surprised.

Anyway, yesterday at church we sang a song called The Stand by Hillsong, and in the midst of all the activities of the last 24 hours, I haven't been able to get it off my mind. Not even during the quality time with homemade mac and cheese. And that is saying something, my friends.

If you have a few minutes to read the lyrics as you listen, I think that the Lord will use the words to bless your heart. They sure blessed mine.

Happy Labor Day, y'all.

When The Stars Burn Down

Sophie - August 17, 2011 - Comments (1)

Our buddy Travis Cottrell has a new CD coming out in about a month - September 13, to be exact - and if you haven't ordered your copy already, trust me when I tell you that this is a worship CD that you do not want to miss.

If you've been to a Living Proof Live recently (or if you were at Deeper Still in Louisville), you've already heard a couple of the new songs: "I'm Changed" and "The Word of God Has Spoken." Maybe this video clip will ring a musical bell.

If you'd like to pre-order the CD, you can do that on Travis' website or Amazon. It's gonna be a good'un, y'all!

All My Fountains

Melanie - July 5, 2011 - Comments (0)

I can't even tell you which song is my favorite from the 2011 Passion Conference. But right now? I think it's this one.

My new favorite song

Sophie - June 29, 2011 - Comments (0)

Listen to the whole song here. I think it's one of the strongest worship songs I've ever heard, and it was a great way to close out Living Proof Live in Lincoln.

I'll be recapping Beth's message from LPL in the next few days; I've been thinking about it all week. So, so good!

Faithful

Melanie - May 26, 2011 - Comments (2)

I don't know about you, but sometimes I just need the reminder that God is faithful.

Beautiful Things

Sophie - May 25, 2011 - Comments (1)

In light of the storms and floods and destruction of the last few weeks, this song is a great reminder that God writes a beautiful story of healing and redemption through our trials.

His big picture is so much better than anything we can imagine.

And we can trust Him.

Sometimes

Melanie - May 12, 2011 - Comments (1)

Waiting here for you

Melanie - May 4, 2011 - Comments (2)

I believe my love of Christy Nockels' music is well-documented. In fact, I even had the chance to meet her in person several months ago and succeeded in being totally socially awkward. Which is basically my comfort zone when meeting anyone I admire.

Anyway, I first heard this song while I watched the Passion Conference in January. And I've listened to it approximately 8,342 times since then. It is powerful.

How Great Thou Art

Melanie - April 26, 2011 - Comments (0)

If you haven't seen this yet, you're missing out. So powerful.

And if you have seen it, then you'll probably want to watch it again.

"All My Fountains"

Sophie - April 6, 2011 - Comments (5)

At some point I'm going to quit listening to this song (which is on the Passion - Here For You CD) over and over and over.

At some point.

But not just yet.

Search Me, Know Me

Sophie - March 23, 2011 - Comments (1)

The lyrics of this song hit me smack-dab in the center of my heart:

Search me, know me
Try me and see
Every worthless affection hidden in me
All I'm asking for is that You'd cleanse me, Lord

Clothe me in robes of righteousness
Cover my nakedness with grace
All of my life before You now I humbly bring

May we all experience a fresh awareness of His love and His limitless grace today. He's so good to us, isn't He?

We Are The Body

Sophie - March 7, 2011 - Comments (4)

This is a song that will set the tone for your whole week - so CRANK 'ER UP, sweet friends. :-)

we are the body of the most high
we are the bride of a savior
and we fall for the king of the kingdom
as we sing the songs of salvation

and our anthem will be
a song of praise to the king
he is worthy he is worthy
with one voice we will sing
where o death is your sting
he is mighty he is mighty

This Is The Day

Sophie - February 23, 2011 - Comments (4)

If you're tired.

If you're overwhelmed.

If you're sick of being sad.

If you're worried about what's next.

If you're at the end of yourself.

And you feel like nobody understands.

This song is for you.

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24

Variations on a theme

Sophie - February 2, 2011 - Comments (3)

So yesterday I read Melanie's post about setting up a Sandra McCracken station on Pandora, and I was immediately intrigued because until that very moment I had never heard of Sandra McCracken. Or if I had I didn't remember it.

Please don't judge me. My brain is very crowded with all manner of insignificant trivia, so sometimes it's hard for me to remember the things that actually matter.

Anyway, I kept thinking about Melanie's recommendation because I love me some Pandora, but midway through the morning I went to a performance by a local church's ballet company and as a result I completely forgot to set up my Sandra McCracken station.

But hold on. You'll never believe what happened next. Or maybe you will, but where's the narrative suspense if I say something like, "But hold on - you'll totally believe what happened next"?

Before the ballet started I kept thinking about how Melanie, Paige Greene and I were kidding around last week on Twitter. Specifically, Melanie decided that she was going to open .MOM with a dramatic reading while I performed an interpretive dance (WITH STREAMERS!) in the background. But then Melanie said my dancing might cause her to get too choked up to read, and really, that is understandable because, well, my arabesques have in fact been known to make people weep.

As it turned out, today's ballet performance (no streamers) was absolutely beautiful, and the song for the last number was so gorgeous that it made me teary-eyed. Afterwards I asked about six different people if they happened to know the name of the song, and lo and behold, one of them actually did.

It was "Thy Mercy, My God." By - GET THIS - Sandra McCracken.

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

(Don't answer that. This is a LifeWay blog. WE DO NOT DISCUSS ODDS AND/OR WAGERING OF ANY SORT.)

(Oh, I kid.)

So if you've never heard of Sandra McCracken, either, have a listen. Gorgeous lyrics. Lovely voice.

Happy Wednesday, y'all.

Some tuneage

Melanie - February 1, 2011 - Comments (0)

Well, after two days with temperatures in the 80's, it has turned into a cold, blustery day here in South Texas. There are even rumors of snow. And temps in the teens. That just doesn't happen here very often.

Which is why I plan to spend as much time as possible on my couch, wrapped in a blanket, with a book and a hot beverage nearby.

And then this morning I was reading blogs and came upon the most delightful discovery.

I have long been a fan of Pandora. Technology that can bring me my favorite music on demand is delightful. And someone mentioned in a blog today that they're a big fan of the Sandra McCracken station, so I decided to give it a whirl.

IT HAS MADE MY WHOLE DAY.

The perfect music for a wintery, cold day.

Just thought you might want to know.

On a sidenote, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our very own Travis Cottrell! We hope you have a wonderful day!

Made me glad

Melanie - January 27, 2011 - Comments (1)

I attended a Bible study last week and they opened worship with this song. I've heard it a million times, but it really spoke to my heart at that moment and I've had it on repeat ever since.

Hallelujah

Sophie - January 10, 2011 - Comments (1)

I've been hearing this song on the radio for awhile, but this past week it has really gotten in my head. I actually downloaded it from iTunes over the weekend (only 69 cents). The lyrics are so simple - and a prayer we'd all do well to pray every single day.

It's a beautiful way to start a Monday, isn't it? Blessings to y'all!

Like incense

Sophie - December 27, 2010 - Comments (1)

I'm really trying not to become some sort of bloggy DJ (I realize that I've posted a good bit of music lately), but my heart has been especially touched by worship music this Christmas season. In fact, for the last couple of weeks I haven't been able to sing the first five words of "Come, thou long expected Jesus" without getting all choked up, so I think it's safe to say that the music has been speaking to me on a deeper level than usual.

At least I hope that's what it is. As opposed to, you know, being on the verge of some sort of year-end hormonal surge.

Anyway, we sang this Brooke Fraser Lightwood song at church yesterday, and I cannot think of better, more timely lyrics to prepare our hearts for a new year. The second verse alone just wrecks me:

Your statutes are my heritage forever
My heart is set on keeping Your decrees
Please still my anxious urge toward rebellion
Let Love keep my will upon its knees

Oh, y'all. That's just GOOD.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy listening to this song (as opposed to reading my ramblings about it); it was a huge encouragement to me yesterday morning.

Hope you have a wonderful week!

You are for me

Sophie - December 15, 2010 - Comments (3)

For the last few days I've been feeling sort of unsettled. Not sad, necessarily. Not angry. Just unsettled. And maybe a wee bit anxious.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Anyway, Sunday night we were on the way home from church when this song came on the radio. It spoke to my heart like nobody's business. And for the last two days, whenever the unsettled feeling starts to creep in, I sing these words in my head:

I know that you are for me.
I know that you are for me.
I know that you will never forsake me in my weakness.

Those words have been the sweetest comfort.

He's for all of us today.

And it's always good to remember that.

Winter Snow

Melanie - December 13, 2010 - Comments (2)

I've still got some pictures and other things I want to share from Deeper Still Birmingham, but I saw this video yesterday and thought it was so gorgeous. And so perfect and timely since so many of y'all are getting snow in your neck of the woods right now.

As for me, I'm down in South Texas. Which means this will be the closest I get to snow this year.

Thank you for hearing me

Sophie - November 24, 2010 - Comments (0)

This is really the greatest blessing of all, isn't it?

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.

Marvelous Light

Melanie - November 16, 2010 - Comments (2)

I was listening to an old CD the other day because my station wagon doesn't have a way for me to play my iPod which is a whole other tale of woe.

My life is very difficult.

Anyway, this song came on. And I'd forgotten all about it. I've been singing it ever since.

Because this? "Into marvelous light I'm running, out of darkness, out of shame" speaks to my soul.

Faithful

Melanie - November 9, 2010 - Comments (1)

I don't know if you've had the chance to listen to Steven Curtis Chapman's "Beauty Will Rise" CD, but it is amazing. Especially in light of the tragedy his family endured.

I've needed the reminder lately that God is faithful and so this song has been in steady rotation at my house. Thought I'd share it with y'all.

It's a good 'un

Sophie - October 20, 2010 - Comments (0)

I just hung up the phone from catching up with Melanie. She went to Houston last night for Beth Moore's Bible study where she had the privilege of being led in worship by Christy Nockels (formerly of Watermark). Since I have incredible admiration for Christy Nockels' ministry as well as her hair (I'm just sayin'), I needed a LOT of details. Melanie was sweet to provide them.

Anyway, ever since I got off the phone it's been hard to shut off the Watermark medley in my head, so I thought I'd share one of my favorites. SO GOOD.

Hope your day is a great one!

One storm

Sophie - October 13, 2010 - Comments (1)

Last summer I was in Pittsburgh at Living Proof Live, and Travis sang a song that I'd never heard before. I have a vivid memory of being moved to tears when he sang - the song spoke to me on a couple of different levels and for a couple of different reasons. About mid-way through I made eye contact with a friend of mine, and she mouthed the words "I KNOW." It was a powerful, worshipful moment, and I imagine that many of those 8,000 women were equally as moved.

I spent most of today cleaning my house, and after lunch I decided that some worship music would be just the thing to keep me moving. I pulled up my little iPod Shuffle, and out of nowhere I thought of that song from Pittsburgh. It's called "One Storm," and it's on a CD called The Deep that we actually brought home about a month ago from one of Travis' concerts.

I loaded "One Storm" on my iPod, and y'all, I am here to tell you: that song will preach. The lyrics are so strong, so encouraging, and I thought I'd share them with you because, well, some of you may be going through a storm of your own right now. That storm may have even been lingering for awhile. And if you're anything like me, sometimes the storm has a way of holding you back long after it's gone.

Set out to sea
strong and sure,
compass set for the horizon
ocean breeze carried me
into the great and vast unknown
unexpectedly the winds began to blow
and the rain clouds formed
and the sail was torn
and the course I'd set
I traded for the safety of the shore

That one storm
it only made me stronger
for it was there Your mercy carried me
and though I know
the storms of life may shake me
they will never overtake me
You're with me in the deep.

Amen.
--------------------------------

Just FYI - here are recaps of Beth's message in Pittsburgh:

The perfect storm, part 1
The perfect storm, part 2

The power of the cross

Sophie - September 6, 2010 - Comments (1)

We learned this song by Keith Getty in choir last fall, and it's been in pretty regular rotation at our church ever since. God uses it so powerfully in corporate worship, and I can't think of many songs that better express the heart of the Gospel than this one (scroll down if you'd like to follow along with the lyrics):

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God--slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Amen.

What do I know of holy?

Melanie - July 28, 2010 - Comments (0)

Unredeemed

Sophie - July 21, 2010 - Comments (2)

This is one of my favorite songs from this past year.

Hope it's an encouragement to you today!

Hear us from heaven

Sophie - July 12, 2010 - Comments (3)

You know how you associate certain songs with certain times in your life?

Like maybe you hear "Footloose" and you're immediately taken back to some supremely awkward early teen moments that involved braces, dresses with huge lace collars and an alarmingly misguided loyalty to royal blue mascara?

Perhaps I've overshared.

Anyway, tonight at church we sang a song called "Hear Us From Heaven," and it took me RIGHT BACK to late 2005 - when our little guy was toddling all over the place, our church was in the midst of a huge transition, and "Hear Us From Heaven" was in regular rotation on the Wednesday night worship song line-up.

We had no idea back then, of course, but God was doing some big work in our hearts and in our lives. Lots of sifting. Lots of healing. Lots of fresh awareness about Who He Is and who we are.

It was a hard time. But it was a good time.

And this song? Was and is a much-needed word.

Take my life

Melanie - May 27, 2010 - Comments (2)

I've listened to this song a lot lately and it's been a good reminder that I need to trust God with my WHOLE heart. I can't pick and choose the areas I want to submit. My life is in His hands and He really doesn't need my help and he certainly doesn't need my messing it up with all my anxieties and worries.

Never Let Go

Melanie - May 6, 2010 - Comments (1)

God Almighty

Melanie - April 6, 2010 - Comments (0)

Savior King

Sophie - March 31, 2010 - Comments (0)

A couple of years ago we sang a new song called "Savior King" at my church. And y'all know how it is when the worship pastor breaks out a new song. It's a little unfamiliar at first as you stumble over the words and try to figure out the melody, and you might even sing more softly than normal. After all, you don't want to embarrass yourself by singing a phrase VERY loudly at the wrong moment, thereby startling the congregation with your unintended solo.

I may have done that once or twenty-four times in my adult life.

Anyway, when we sang the new song I mentioned earlier, I had a really unusual reaction: I loved it instantly. INSTANTLY. The rhythm was a little hard to predict and I didn't catch on to it immediately, but the lyrics absolutely captivated me. In fact, I came straight home and found the song on the web. And then I listened to it over and over. And over. And over and over.

Last night I was thinking about the heaviness, the gravity of these days leading up to Easter. And the chorus of "Savior King" came to mind. It's a powerful declaration in response to God's unmerited, lavish grace.

We love you Lord, we worship you
You are our God, you alone are good

I love you Lord, I worship you
Hope which was lost, now stands renewed
I give my life to honor this
The love of Christ, the Savior King

Amen.

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

Sophie - February 8, 2010 - Comments (1)

I know I've probably mentioned this before, but I grew up in a very traditional church. We didn't shout "amen," we didn't clap, and you can bet your bottom dollar that we didn't have any drums. We sang the Doxology, we recited The Lord's Prayer, and we sang hymns. Lots and lots of hymns.

When I was younger, of course, I didn't really appreciate the depth and richness of hymns. But now that I'm older - well, the hymns just do me in. Every single time. I might be able to get through the first verse without tears filling my eyes, but it's doubtful. Usually I just have to hear the first few chords and I'm a goner.

"How Deep The Father's Love For Us" isn't a hymn that I sang growing up, mainly because it wasn't written until 1995. But the lyrics - OH, THE LYRICS - they're something else. So good. And to hear sweet Kelly Minter singing them? Extra special.

"I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom."

Have a great week, everybody.

Your hands

Melanie - January 13, 2010 - Comments (3)

Labor of Love

Melanie - December 22, 2009 - Comments (1)

Winter Snow

Sophie - December 21, 2009 - Comments (3)

In the first light

Melanie - December 2, 2009 - Comments (1)

Whenever things start to get a little hectic this Christmas season and I find myself a little too concerned about the various widths of ribbon I'm using to decorate (I realize I'm neurotic) or if I'll ever manage to get my Christmas cards in the mail, I'm going to stop and listen to this song.

This is from Travis Cottrell's Ring the Bells Christmas CD. You can download it on iTunes or order it here. It's on sale!

Still

Sophie - November 25, 2009 - Comments (2)

If y'all are like me, you can spend most of Thanksgiving running around like a chicken with its head cut off. We get so busy with the cleaning and the prepping and cooking and the serving that we forget to do the thanking.

So when I heard this song yesterday, it hit me between the eyes a little bit. In the best possible way, of course. And I thought I'd share it. Hope it encourages you.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, y'all.

Ring the bells

Melanie - November 6, 2009 - Comments (3)

Last week I had to drive downtown to pick up something at the official police headquarters. Thankfully it wasn't a relative.

I actually had to get a copy of a crime report for a friend of mine to mail to her insurance agent so she could be reimbursed for the thousands of dollars of camera equipment that was stolen out of the back of her car.

Wait, I'm going somewhere with this.

Anyway, as I meandered around the streets of downtown in what proved to many, MANY, failed attempts to locate the police station, I decided I needed some music to calm my nerves because the talk radio was just adding to my already high stress level. And do you know what I just happened to pull out?

My copy of Travis Cottrell's Ring the Bells Christmas CD.

And although I usually have a hard and fast rule (or maybe just a rule) about listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, I made an exception. Because if the shopping centers can start hanging garland and red bows the second the clock strikes midnight on the day after Halloween, then I can sing me some carols. I'm so glad I did.

I spent the next thirty minutes doing my best to end up going the wrong way on a one way street, but I didn't even care because I was singing Christmas songs at the top of my voice.

It had been almost a year since I'd listened to Ring the Bells and in that time I'd forgotten that In the First Light makes me cry every time and that his version of Frosty the Snowman is delightful.

In other words, Ring the Bells is a must-have CD for your Christmas collection. Best of all, you can download it on iTunes right now for only $9.90 by clicking here.

And you can even start listening to it before Thanksgiving. I won't tell.

A little Wednesday music

Melanie - October 28, 2009 - Comments (2)

This is one of my favorites.

Devastate us with your presence falling down, Lord Jesus.

Children of the promise

Sophie - October 21, 2009 - Comments (3)

Do y'all ever get a song stuck in your head for days on end? Please tell me that you do. Because I have had a song playing on NEVER ENDING REPEAT in my mind for the last week, and I'm starting to think that it's going to be my internal theme song FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, WHETHER I WANT IT TO BE OR NOT.

So I've decided - based on absolutely no scientific proof, mind you - that if I share the song with other people, maybe I can "give away" a little of its hold on me. And yes, I recognize that my theory makes no sense whatsoever, but if you'd been singing a song in your head for the last seven days, you'd also probably be looking for a pause button in whatever form you could find it.

And here's the kicker: I LOVE THIS SONG. In fact, I think that one reason it's gotten stuck in my brain is because I've listened to it so much over the last month or so. We actually sang it in church this past Sunday, and OH MY is it ever a great song for corporate worship. So powerful.

I just maybe sorta kinda need a little teensy break from it for four or maybe even sixteen seconds.

And here's my favorite verse, just in case you're wondering:

By faith this mountain shall be moved
And the power of the Gospel shall prevail
For we know in Christ all things are possible
For all who call upon His name.

That's a good word, y'all.

And I know it's a good word because I've been hearing it in my head for SEVEN DAYS IN A ROW, NOT THAT I'M COUNTING.

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Lion of Judah

Sophie - October 16, 2009 - Comments (3)

The beautiful post that Melanie wrote yesterday reminded me of some video I took (took? shot? filmed? I have no idea what the correct terminology is - SHOCKING, I know) last weekend at Living Proof Live in Memphis.

Lion of Judah from Kris Seidenkranz on Vimeo.

Puts a little spring in your step, doesn't it?

Have a wonderful weekend, y'all!

Ear-y

Sophie - September 9, 2009 - Comments (9)

I know I've mentioned it before, but I sort of have a thing about music.

And when I say, "I have a thing about music," what I mean is that I pretty much like for music to be playing ALL THE TIME.

My little boy has inherited my chronic music listening disorder, and every single morning he turns on the iPod dock before he sits down for breakfast. He loves to listen to Veggie Tales worship songs and sometimes even a little "Mr. Travis," because "Veggie Tales are my favorite, Mama, but I like Mr. Travis' songs almost as much."

That's high praise, Cottrell. Mighty high praise indeed.

Anyway, this morning I was thinking about what worship songs are "in the rotation" at our house right now, and since I'm a fan of oversharing, I thought I'd make a handy list-o-favorites right here on the internet.

Here are my current top five:

1) "To The King" - Mr. Travis, aka Travis Cottrell
2) "A Mighty Fortress" - Christy Nockels
3) "Standing On The Promises" - Selah
4) "How Great" - Mac Powell, Shane Everett & some other talented people
5) "God And Man At Table Are Sat Down" - I'm so embarrassed to tell you that I don't know the name of the singer, but the song is on the "Beloved Disciple" CD.

Okay. There's my list. What songs are you loving right now?

Let us know in the comments.

Sunday night with Travis Cottrell & friends

Sophie - August 10, 2009 - Comments (10)

Last night Travis Cottrell and his praise team led worship at Jackson Way Baptist Church in Huntsville. My husband thought it would be fun for us to make the trip since my mama is visiting us here in Birmingham, and she LOVES to hear "pretty music." Plus, she's never gotten to meet our buddy Travis. So off we went.

The whole night was wonderful - even the part where a certain six year-old who happens to be my child started singing Veggie Tales songs while Travis was singing an a cappella version of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" - and we had the best time worshiping with the folks at Jackson Way. After the service we drove by Krispy Kreme and were greeted by a "Hot Donuts Now" sign, so clearly the entire evening was anointed.

Anyway, one fun thing that Travis and the praise team are doing during the "Jesus Saves LIVE" tour is singing some old gospel songs. Somehow I deleted the first two off of my camera, but I managed to leave the last one intact. And before you watch, you should know that I have no idea who that is saying "COME ON" while the guys are singing. I can't imagine who would do such a thing in a house of worship.

(I'm sorry. I seem to have gotten a little something stuck in my throat.)

So here's Travis, Kevin Perry, Seth Ready and Wes Willett. I think I will christen their quartet "Los Cientos" since it was approximately 100 degrees in the sanctuary when they sang this song.

(Oh, I exaggerate. It was actually only 97 degrees. Breezy, really.)

(And Paige Greene, you are going to LOVE this.)

I think they should totally add a little Southern gospel to the worship at Living Proof Live. Maybe Beth could play the fiddle.

And seriously, isn't that SO MUCH FUN?

Happy 4th of July!

Sophie - July 4, 2009 - Comments (2)

Variations on a theme

Sophie - July 1, 2009 - Comments (1)

If I could've picked a theme song when I was 20, it probably would've been something by Amy Grant. I wore out my cassette of "The Collection" driving back and forth to college, and since I fancied myself a very deep and thinky English major, I loved analyzing her lyrics as I sang.

Nothing like some late teens / early 20s angst to give "Faithless Heart" a whole new level of meaning, you know?

And if I could've picked a theme song when I was 30, it probably would've been something from Nichole Nordeman's "This Mystery" CD (can I get an "amen"?). God was so gracious to do a whole lot of work in my heart between 27 and 30, and those songs are the soundtrack for that time. I still can't listen to "Home" without getting all teary-eyed.

So in the the interest of getting ahead of the game, I have made a decision. Even though I'm not 40 yet, I've already determined what the new theme song is going to be. Christy Nockels sings it, and oh, it is a good 'un.

Raise your hand if you want to stand up and clap when she sings the chorus.

It's a mighty good word for any stage of life, isn't it?

A webcast and a study and a CD, oh my

Sophie - May 30, 2009 - Comments (0)

We have big news on three fronts on this fine Monday morning. And all the news happens tomorrow. On Tuesday. But I'm announcing it today so that you can color-code your calendars accordingly.

Not that I've personally ever done such a thing, of course.

First, LifeWay Women's Pam Case and Paige Greene will be doing a live webcast tomorrow at 12 pm central. Click on over if you'd like to watch the webcast; I can promise you before it even starts that those two girls will make you giggle.

Second, Priscilla Shirer's new Bible study, One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land, hits stores tomorrow. I haven't seen it yet, but Pam (the same Pam who I mentioned in the previous paragraph - see how all of this information is just connecting beautifully?) tells me that it is absolutely phenomenal. Can't wait to check it out.

Finally, Travis Cottrell's new CD, Jesus Saves LIVE, also hits stores tomorrow. It. is. incredible. I actually saw several of the CDs in my LifeWay store late last week, so you might even be able to pick up a copy a little early. This CD has been such a blessing to our family already, and I know it'll bless yours, too.

Hope y'all have a wonderful week!

Great is thy faithfulness

Sophie - May 25, 2009 - Comments (1)

Less than two weeks!

Sophie - May 13, 2009 - Comments (10)

It's hard to believe that it's been almost four months since Melanie and I (and so many of you!) made the trip to Atlanta to see Travis Cottrell record his Jesus Saves LIVE CD. I will remember that night for the rest of my life, and I still think it's a wonder that every single rafter in that sanctuary didn't come tumbling to the ground when Angela Cruz sang "Mercy Seat." I've never heard anything like it.

The CD hits stores on June 2nd, and it is absolutely phenomenal (repeat after me: PHE-NOM-E-NAL). We're gonna have us a little photo caption contest next week so that we can give away a few copies as prizes. In the meantime, I thought y'all might like to see this preview video.

Last thing: "Jesus Saves" is playing on Christian radio (right now it's number 18 on the inspirational charts), so if you have a Christian radio station in your area and you love the song, you can totally call in and request it.

(Maybe you'll even be caller #14 and win some sort of fabulous prize pack that involves Petra albums and two tickets to Amy Grant's "Age to Age" tour.)

(Sorry. I am powerless to resist the 80s nostalgia.)

(Good times.)

Victory in Jesus

Sophie - May 3, 2009 - Comments (2)

When Melanie and I were at Living Proof Live in New Orleans a few weeks ago, Travis and the praise team sang a new arrangement of "Victory In Jesus" that's actually going to be on Travis' new (OH-SO-AWESOME) CD that comes out in June.

And while they sang, things got a little lively up on the stage.

I just wish that Beth would learn to be a smidge more joyful when she worships, you know? She's just so reserved.

Oh, I am quite the jokester.

And I hope the music puts a spring in your step this fine Monday!

Go Tell

Sophie - March 12, 2009 - Comments (1)

Look! A numbered list! It must be your lucky day!

1) Just a quick reminder that Living Proof Live for Ministers' Wives is this weekend (March 13 & 14) in Nashville. Oh, how I would love to be there. But alas, I am not a minister's wife. I thought about offering to sing a solo or something in exchange for the LifeWay people letting me slip in and sit on the back row, but then I remembered that I can't actually sing. So it wasn't exactly my strongest plan.

2) This article has some great, practical advice for leading a Bible study. And if you work in a church, the article would be a fab resource for your small group leaders.

3) Without boring you to tears with the details, I'll tell you that listening to the words of this song - which was written and recorded for the International Mission Board last year - left me very encouraged yesterday.

Hope it encourages y'all, too.

Go tell, girls.

Call to worship

Sophie - February 22, 2009 - Comments (4)

Y'all brought back some serious memories with your comments on my last post; in fact, I spent the better portion of Friday humming "Friends" or "Father's Eyes," and while I was tempted to go get a spiral perm to make it all feel a little more authentic, you'll be happy to know that I resisted.

But I still may break out a banana clip. There's just not a bit of telling.

Anyway, I wanted to add one more little tidbit to our discussion of Things Musical and then I'll get back to regularly scheduled programming on my next post. Not that I have anything you could consider regular and/or scheduled that I write about here, but I needed a segue', and that one seemed fitting, so I ran with it.

So here's what I wanted to share.

When I was growing up the very first thing listed in the church bulletin every week was the call to worship. It was always a song intended to help prepare our hearts for worship, but I didn't realize that when I was a child. I just thought that the organist played music to make the congregation get quiet before the preacher walked out.

Now that I'm older, of course, I understand the concept of "call to worship" a little bit better, and about a year and a half ago I started doing something in the mornings that has had a profound impact on my mood and my outlook. I have a "call to worship" almost every single morning in my car. Because as it turns out, you don't have to listen to an organist or even be sitting in a church to be called to worship.

I KNOW.

There are several songs I listen to with the sole purpose of reminding myself that my actions throughout the day should be worshipful and worship-filled (and this is in addition to quiet time / Bible study, by the way), and I thought I'd share one of my favorites with y'all. It's called "Vision of You," and it was written by Shane Bernard of Shane & Shane.

Other early morning favorites are "Quietly" by Daniel Renstrom and Travis Cottrell's version of "Praise To The Lord The Almighty." I don't listen to the same song every morning, but the intent is always the same: to put my heart in its proper place.

What are the songs that help prepare your heart for worship? Do you have any favorites?

And their hair is an added bonus

Sophie - February 19, 2009 - Comments (21)

Y'all are going to think this is the most random thing ever.

And that is fine. Because this is in fact the most random thing ever.

This morning I was thinking about what music my little boy will remember from his childhood. He loves Monk & Neagle, Mercy Me, Dave Barnes - and while I don't know if it's at all normal for a five year-old to ask to listen to "Mr. Travis" on a nearly daily basis, there's no question that Travis Cottrell will forever be a part of Alex's Childhood Musical Hall of Fame.

Travis must be so proud. Maybe I should send him a certificate. With a commemorative seal.

Anyway, I've been walking down my own little musical memory lane for about the last two hours, and for some reason one song in particular popped in my head - a song I haven't listened to in, I don't know, fifteen years?

So I searched YouTube, and y'all - I FOUND IT.

I NEARLY SQUEALED.

I mean, that'll take you right back to some stirrup pants and Units. Yes ma'am it will.

So 'fess up, girls - what's your favorite old school contemporary Christian song from the 80s or 90s?

If you'll give me enough time to go hot roll my hair and lacquer it really good with some Paul Mitchell Freeze & Shine, I'll meet you in the comments.

So that was good.

Sophie - January 26, 2009 - Comments (9)

I'm sitting in a hotel room outside of Atlanta right now, and Travis Cottrell finished the live recording of his new worship CD (at First Baptist Church Woodstock) about an hour and a half ago. I'm still a little keyed up from the whole thing, but I thought I'd share a few thoughts before I try to settle down and go to bed.

1. The whole night was awesome.

2. No, really. It was seriously awesome.

3. I think there were about 6,000 people there.

4. And those 6,000 people were flat-out praising the Lord.

5. Travis and his praise team, band and the FBC Woodstock choir did a phenomenal job leading us in worship.

6. Look! Travis' shoes!

7. The shoes held up beautifully.

8. Beth Moore spoke about worship. And it was a mighty good word. SHOCKING, I know.

9. All in all it was just a really special time with sweet friends.

10. And if you weren't there, we totally missed you.

11. You'd better be there next time, I'M NOT KIDDING.

12. Now go have you a flat-out wonderful day.

A Travis Cottrell-related reminder

Sophie - January 22, 2009 - Comments (8)

Who: Travis Cottrell and his praise team

Where: First Baptist Church Woodstock (right outside of Atlanta)

When: Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 6:00 pm

What: A Live CD / DVD Recording

Who Else: Beth Moore, Cindy Morgan and Shaun Groves

Why: To praise the Lord, oh yes ma'am.

Another why: To visit with sweet blog friends.

Another why: Because it'll be one hundred ninety-two kinds of fun.

So: Hope you see you there!

(Raise your hand if you're going to be there.)

(Or maybe just leave a comment. Since I can't really see you raise your hand.)

When we all get to heaven

Sophie - January 17, 2009 - Comments (6)

My little boy loves to sing. Sometimes the songs don't actually, you know, EXIST, but that doesn't seem to stop him. He'll just make up lyrics as he goes along, filling in the blanks with whatever pops into his mind.

A couple of days ago, however, I heard him singing a song that he learned in choir. I hadn't heard it in forever - like not-since-children's-choir-back-in-the-80s forever. The melody was instantly recognizable, but I was a little fuzzy on the words. So I asked him to sing it again - and as I listened, I started to smile. And then my heart pretty much filled to overflowing.

It's funny how the old hymns mean so much more when you're older, you know?

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions bright and blessèd
He'll prepare for us a place.

When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory!

Those words have encouraged me so much today - hope they encourage you, too.

Travis Cottrell in concert

Sophie - January 6, 2009 - Comments (10)

Over the last five or six years worship music has become a big - no, make that huge - part of my life. Back in 2002 (-ish) my husband started looking up some of the songs we sang at church, and eventually we noticed that worship music was taking up more and more space on our iPods. There is something about Truth set to music that moves me way down deep in my soul, and now, on the occasional day when I don't have the chance to crank up my music in the car, I can feel the difference in my heart.

So.

All that to say.

You can imagine my delight when I found out that Travis Cottrell is recording a live worship CD on January 25th in Atlanta. God has blessed Travis with incredible musical talent, and He's also given him the unique ability to lead worship and somehow get completely out of the way at the same time. There's not a single ounce of pretense with Travis, and his humility in worship has ministered to me at more LifeWay events than I can count. He is the real dadgum deal.

If you're within driving distance of Atlanta and want to spend a Sunday night in some straight-up, flat-out worship, you should absolutely drive over to First Baptist Woodstock and hear Travis and his praise team live. The super-talented Cindy Morgan and Shaun Groves will be there, too - not to mention a girl named Beth Moore. You may have heard of her.

My husband and I have had this date on our calendar for months - we absolutely cannot wait, and we would love to see you there!

The miracle of Christmas

Sophie - December 20, 2008 - Comments (0)

This morning I was clicking around on the computer, analyzing world trade agreements and the historic implications of US missile policy (AHEM), and I ran across a video for Stephen Curtis Chapman's song "The Miracle of Christmas."

Oh, the lyrics. The lyrics are GOOD. And they are TIMELY.

I can't embed the video here because YouTube won't let me, but I can certainly give you the link:

"The MIracle of Christmas" - Stephen Curtis Chapman

You'll be so glad you watched it.

Happy weekend, everybody.