Music

So many people have commented on my "positive attitude" and "amazing faith" while we walk through this valley of waiting after reading my blog that I had to comment.  While I appreciate the support, I have to also admit to not having a positive attitude or amazing faith all the time.  My emotions have been on an absolute roller coaster (what's that about hormone levels??).   However, despite my finicky emotions, I do feel very deeply that the Lord is carrying us along on this ride.  I don't know what the end of this particular story line will be, but I do believe with all of my heart that my Lord is faithful and protecting my family.  Regardless of whether or not He chooses to heal this baby completely, a mighty work is being done even now as we walk this out.  People are praying, we are trusting and He is being glorified in the process.

That's not really what I intended to say as I sat down to write this afternoon.  I really wanted to talk about music.  However, so much of my personal faith story is closely tied to music, that maybe all that sharing isn't a complete tangent.  

I can remember walking into my dear friend Cindy's house about 6 or 7 years ago to share pizza and a movie one night while our husbands were out of town (again) and hearing her listening to Christian music on the radio.  I remember having the conscious thought of "How in the world does she listen to that ALL the time???!!!" in my very kind, dismissive and judging tone.  Well, fast forward to today when now that I hear anything on the radio that's NOT Christian music, my kind tone says, "What in the world are they singing about???  How many songs could you possibly enjoy about your love life??"  

We got a new gadget for Christmas that syncs the ITunes on our computer with our stereo in the living room.  The benefit of this for me is that now I can listen to my "Favorite Worship Music" playlist or K-Love (our favorite radio station that's only broadcast around here online) all throughout the house.  It's impossible to describe how music that is singing about the majesty and glory of God will change your attitude about screaming kids and the stack of laundry.  All of a sudden dish washing becomes an act of worship when the music is on.  I'm praying that acts of worship becomes a lifestyle of worship with practice and experience.  I'm not very articulate and can't even describe how much the Lord has used music to change my heart, my behaviors and my faith in the last couple of years.  

So.... in effort to try to pull this whole thing together, I'm going to list a few of my favorites.  These songs are helping me to put all of my trust in the Lord during this time.  He is the Lord of the mountains AND Lord of the valleys.  Of that I am grateful.  If you don't have these, I encourage you to add them to YOUR itunes library.  Perhaps you can create a "Favorite Worship Music" playlist for the first time.  This would be a good start.  

Mighty to Save - Hillsong

While I'm Waiting - John Waller

It is Well - Aaron Keyes

How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin

How Great Thou Art - Passion

Our Great God - Fernando Ortega

Worthy is the Lamb - Darlene Zschech

In Christ Alone - Geoff Moore

Bring the Rain - Casting Crowns