Hillsong - You (acoustic)

this is just a calming song that is good to listen to as I am trying to relax this break and calm myself down from a hectic semester. Let's hope i find more songs like this :).

http://www.imeem.com/nimrod/music/OsZ1XvjY/hillsong_you_acoustic/?rel=1

Mercy Me - Homesick

Mercy Me - Homesick
Lyrics

This song is paired with the previous Mercy Me song that I posted about called "Imagine." It reminds me how much I miss USC and the people there. I can't wait to go back in 2 weeks...ready to go!

Starfield - Filled With Your Glory

Starfield - Filled With Your Glory
Lyrics

It is really cool walking around my city, just observing how the entire world is filled with God's creations. As I walk my dog this weekend and some, I noticed how beautiful nature is. I love how this song proclaims that the entire Earth is filled with His glory.

Top of My Lungs

Phillips, Craig, & Dean - Top of My Lungs
(couldn't find lyrics)

I really like this song. It reminds to just continually praise Jesus' name throughout the day and to have no shame in Him. Also, it reminds me that there are no boundaries as a means to worship God. In the past, I have missed opportunities to witness to others, sometimes not allowing God to speak through me, and I hope that more opportunities show up where I am able to witness without missing out on these opportunities.

Jesus Messiah

Chris Tomlin - Jesus Messiah
Lyrics

New single by Chris Tomlin...just reminds me of the big price that Jesus represents for everyone. It's always good every now and then to just sit and reflect on what that actually means and how every moment of our lives is supposed to be lived for His glory.

whoops, disappeared for a while...

ok, it's been about a week...things have happened in that time...something cool that has happened since i last posted was that yesterday, for QT, i read 1 John, and today in Church, the message was from that chapter. We were warned to not be fooled by the world. Anyways, this song is cool because no matter how tough times might be, no matter how big the storm and trials might be, we will always be safe in the Lord's arms.

Plumb - In My Arms
Lyrics

Fence Riders...

Jimmy Needham - Fence Riders
Lyrics

So this whole summer, I feel like I haven't been able to do my part to witness to my friends back home. It's just difficult because most of them are not around the area, and it's just hard to love people when they aren't physically there. In a previous post I had shared the song "I'm not who I was," and this is something that I want to show people that I am a changed man because of my identity in Christ. I want to be the light in the darkness that has consumed them, so hopefully God opens up doors for me to do that. I know that with enough prayer and desire, time will allow it to happen. I just hope that if the time does come to pass, I will be able to share about my faith openly and without judgment from other, without people rolling their eyes and misunderstanding.

The Best Thing

The Best Thing - Relient K

Reflecting on how things have gone this past year/summer, and it has been one of the best years. I am so fortunate to have experienced everything that I did this year.

This is Home

This is Home - Switchfoot
Lyrics


I happened to be watching SportsCenter and they're trying to find title town USA, and the intro uses this song...which has been on the radio the whole summer.

Imagine...

Mercy Me - Imagine
Lyrics

So, this song has been heard multiple times by me this past week on the radio, so here it goes. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the exact same version that was on the radio, but this will do...same words...different beat. Anyways, this song is talking about imagining what will happen when we are finally united with Christ in heaven...something super deep. The thoughts are so hypothetical, that it is impossible to picture what will happen...It's like what Kevin Garnett said about winning the NBA championship this year. Watching all the past champions celebrate, and seeing the joy and jubilation on their face made him want it so badly. But in the end, when it actually happens, he didn't think back on what other people did, it was his moment and he embraced it. Imagining what we would do when in front of Christ is something that I can't do because, when it happens, it is my moment and I don't know how I am going to act...

mmmmmm Sheep

Paul Alan - To Bring You Back
Lyrics


John 10:
1"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

7Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.^[a] He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

Sorry for the late post, was watching the HISTORIC All-Star Game for the last time in Yankee Stadium...15 innings...ridiculous. Anyways, this song reminds me of the passage, knowing that God protects us and will go to great lengths to bring us back to Him. Each day God protects us from our enemies and brings us closer to Him.

Changed for Good...

Brandon Heath - I'm not who I was
Lyrics

Ok, in honor of Theo, I titled this one Changed for Good, referring to the Wicked track. Just wanted to let everyone know that everyone that I have come in contact with the past 2 years has affected my life in significant ways. The song by Brandon Heath is titled "I'm not who I was." It was really encouraging for me to have multiple relatives tell me that I am a good kid and I had changed a lot in the past year. Knowing that I had grown up and matured, encourages me to keep on that path. Also, I think this is even cooler...

Josh Hamilton's testimony is just simply amazing. This man had all the talent in the world to play professional baseball coming straight out of high school. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays chose him first overall in 1999, gave him a $4 million dollar signing bonus, and sent him to the minor leagues to get better. In 2001, he began using drugs, including heroin and alcohol. His struggles never led him to the major leagues, and caused him to disappear from the entire baseball world from 2003-2006. He had been confronted by his grandmother by that time, and had finally decided to make a change in his life and become clean. He was picked up by the Cincinnati Reds in the Rule 5 draft, which forced them to keep him on their 25-man roster for the entire season, quite a big deal since he hadn't done anything baseball related for about 3 years. Now, he is doing even better than ever. Not only is he one of baseball's best players, competing in the All-Star game tomorrow, but he also speaks to youth and others struggling with addictions of their own. Watching him today on national television was just amazing. He hit 28 home runs in the first round, most ever by anyone. To see how far he had come, was simply stunning. Even though he didn't win, the best part of the broadcast for me happened at the end. He was being interviewed, and he just happened to stop and thank "Jesus Christ my Lord, and my Savior." To see how far this man has come...is truly inspirational. As much as I am into sports and being competitive and hating on teams that are rivals to the teams I cheer for, I cannot find any part of myself that wants to say anything bad about him. We talk a lot about the body of Christ about people that we know and that we have met, but in the moment that he spoke on national television, I felt instantly a sense of connection and warmth and love for him. In this way, he and I have both been changed for good.

(on a side note) Something crazy that Josh Hamilton revealed was that while he was still out of baseball, he had a dream of himself hitting home runs at Yankee stadium, in a HR derby. This happened before any announcement was made by Major League Baseball saying that the All-Star festivities would take place in New York. With God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Never Going Back

The Afters - Never Going Back to Ok
Lyrics

So this song I had heard on the radio for a while because XM-32 had been promoting The Afters concert on their station for a while, saying that they were the new artist of the year recently. The song reminds me of how far I have come in my walk with God. In the past weeks, in the past year, I have learned a lot about myself, and surrounded myself with a community that loves and a community that I put a lot of myself in. This song just cements the fact that I will Never Go Back to where I had been before. I also will not settle for anything less than what Christ has to offer me. He continues to challenge me throughout this life long process and I am thankful that He points areas in my life where I need work on. I still need to control my emotions, my impatience, and my words with people. Also, this song reminds me about Fall-Conference 2007, where we talked about what Jesus is inviting us to when he asks Peter to step out of the boat and join him on the water. Instead of settling myself for things that are ok, I need to strive higher for Godly things.

Slowing Down

Song


StorySide:B Lyrics
Be Still Lyrics

The second half of the song is the part that really gets me. No matter how little I might be doing at home, or I don't need to be always trying to reach out to people and try and busy myself with going out or anything. Instead, I need to find comfort in the Lord's company, and know that He is with me side by side guiding me. Sure, it's tough being lonely and feeling like there's not many people I can turn to at home, but it's something I have to do. No matter how hard it gets, I will remain still and find joy in the situation that God has put me in. This also relates to the art of slowing, which we learned about at Summer Conference. We read an excerpt which talked about slowing down our daily lives instead of rushing to get things done on self-imposed deadlines all the time. I find it difficult each day to get EVERYTHING I want to accomplish. I need to continually readjust me schedule to make room for slowing down and just rejoicing that I have today to rest and relax a little bit. I did start slowing down in my reading from the beginning of the summer. In the beginning I would read about 10 or more chapters each day, and now, I am reading just 2 a day, on pace to finish the New Testament by the end of summer!

Casting Crowns

Every Man
Lyrics

We all have a hope! This song is a nice reminder that through all the storms, trials, and loneliness, there is hope that each one of us has. It also reminds me of the HEAT sermon series about looking at USC football and what it could teach us about God. In the first verse, it talks about being in the bleachers, and being a coach, and these are images that I can see clearly in my mind. I love how every time that God shows me something, it is something that I am able to relate to, and I can get a clear sense and a clear image in my mind of what it looks like.


East to West

Casting Crowns Lyrics
East To West Lyrics


Working has been extremely tiring this summer, even though it is only for 4 days a week. At the end of the day, I am always exhausted, looking for rest. The part that speaks to me the most is that in the arms of His mercy, I find rest. Just knowing that there is a place to find rest and get away from the rest of the world, even for a moment, is good.

Bloc Party

Here is a bloc of 4 songs by the same artist, Natalie Grant. It's really weird, I heard 3 of these songs today, and 1 last week on the radio, seems fitting to put her songs as a group of songs. (and a bonus song @ the end ) hehe

1) I Will Not Be Moved.
Lyrics

This song reminds me that I am human and that I need God because I am not perfect. The chorus basically sums up everything. Things are going to happen, but I will not fall away from the Lord, for I stand on the rock...this message goes ALL the way back to the first bible study of 2007-2008...wow, long time ago...haha. The passage about building a foundation on solid rock, compared to building a foundation on sand, which falls in the storm. Just knowing that each of us isn't perfect and that we all need God, is something that we all have in common.

2) Held
Lyrics

The mood of this song is so different but still amazing. Again the theme of understanding our belovedness in God's eyes shows up to me. We are held close to God's heart, for we are his children, and the ones that have a relationship with Him. There is no limit to His heart for us, for He sent His only son as our savior. Knowing that in the end, when everything fades away, we will be held is so powerful.

3) Deeper Life
Lyrics

This song changes back to a more upbeat tone, and it reminds me to not look at the superficial, material desires that the world wants us to strive for. Instead, strive first for the Kingdom of God, always seek for ways to serve God first. It is difficult going to USC, and not becoming absorbed into the culture of networking, partying, and glamor. Instead I set my sights on deeper relationships built on more than just superficial qualities. We should strive to go deeper with one another, encouraging each other in moments of weakness and celebrating in moments of victory.

4) I Will Be
Lyrics

Sorry if you're tired of this artist by now, but this is the last one. I was taking a nap after a hard day at work, with things not going the way they had in the past, and me not being able to work at it and strive to figure out a way to figure it out. Anyways, this song reminds me of what we learned at Love & Influence (a very very good conference this past year, I suggest everyone go with me next year...hopefully it is as good as it was this past year...seeing Steve lead worship was coo haha). Anyways, on the 2nd day, we read about how we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world and learned how to witness to those around us in our clubs, teams, etc. This was a good lesson that I have been trying to apply since then. Everywhere we go, whether it's in Malaysia or Peru or anywhere on missions like people this summer, or in our class rooms, there is darkness where the Gospel must be shared. It has been difficult motivating myself to go to classes and show people discipline and dedication to work hard, but it is something that I should work on.

So I know this post was supposed to be 4 songs, but this was the last song I listened to today, and it just makes sense to follow this song by Natalie Grant. The song is "Shine" by Salvador...bringing a different flavor.

Shine - Salvador
Lyrics

Verse one hits me hard already. It is completely true how my life is now so much more now that I have God with me. Before it was so meaningless, go to school, come home, do whatever, n go to sleep. Now my life has a purpose, to spread the good news that we have been blessed with and encourage others to strive for the Kingdom, encourage others to achieve greatness in the eyes of the Lord. I find it very interesting that in the chorus, they are asking God to let them shine...meaning that our opportunity to shine is limited, our opportunity to love others is temporary. So, in that case, we should do as much as we can with the blessing of time that we have been given.

above the golden state

Above the Golden State - Sound of Your Name
Lyrics

So I was very intrigued by the name of this band today as I was driving to work. So, being an investigative person, I set out to learn more about this group. Turns out that they are a group from Portland, Oregon, and they have a new CD coming out later this month! whoooooo! This is their first radio single apparently, so that is cool. Anyways, this song speaks to me...knowing that God is a humbling God, and that each day our pride is broken down by Him. In the end, only God remains, and everything of this temporary earth goes away. As the song says, strong men fall to Him who humbles, and this is something I have seen. Each of us has our own talents and qualities that are strong, and each day, God is humbling, showing me where I need help from Him and from others in the community. Dependence on someone besides myself has been an important lesson that I have been learning throughout the past 2 years at USC. Trusting that others will be able to get things done without me doing everything has been something that I haven't done in the past, but it is something I try to do now.

so simple...

Stellar Kart - Jesus Loves You
Lyrics

The message of this song is so simple, yet so hard to comprehend. As I had stated, we learned what it meant to be God's beloved this year at summer-conference, and just remembering that each and everyday just encourages me to strive to be better than I was the previous day. Having confidence that God is in my life supporting me is the most encouraging thing for me. Again it is a simple message that we all know, yet sometimes it is difficult to understand and experience.

New days!

Avalon - New day
Lyrics

Going back to yesterday, saying that each day we get a clean slate, this song just exemplifies that completely. I cherish everyday that I am alive and here because I know that tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us, and I need to do as much as I can to serve God as much as possible. The second verse speaks a lot to me because my entire perspective on the world has changed in relation to what is important to me now. Instead of caring about what people thought of me, trying to fit in, trying to be popular, I just am myself now, and I let God take care of whatever else He wants to bless me with. All my mistakes that I have made in the past are no longer weighing me down, and instead, I look forward, awaiting any opportunities that may come my way. I also like the way the guitar is played at 2:09!


Lincoln Brewster - Today is the day
Lyrics

Each day is made by God and we live for his purpose. It was hard for me to not worry about what is going to happen in the future and plan ahead for the next year at USC, but instead, I am now living in the present, trusting in what God has in store for me wherever he leads me. This past semester, the Lord has presented freedom from fear as one of the difficult things that we were facing. Throughout the semester, each week, I hoped to act in boldness and tried to go wherever He led me. Not worrying about what would happen in academics as much as I probably should have, but none the less, being free from the fear of not living up to my own expectations, and other people's was good for me. This is a good reminder also that we should rejoice always that we have God in our lives and another day to serve.

Three Songs after 3 eventful days

Matthew West - You are Everything
Lyrics

I really like the instrumental intro to this song. It is a good reminder that we are doing everything for God's glory and that without Him, we all have our own faults. It relates to the message today at church, as to why we work. Ever since Genesis chapter 2, people are supposed to work because it is a commandment from God, and now, with the new covenant, we work in order to become self-dependent and for an opportunity to give back to the community that we belong to.

Matthew West - Something to Say
Lyrics

This is another one of his songs that has been really good to me these past few weeks. I really enjoy knowing that each of us has something to contribute to the community and that we have something to say that can be helpful to others. This goes back to encouraging each other to strive for greater things and not settling for where we are at today. There is always something to work on and there are good qualities of each one of us that we should continue to develop. We are a constant work in process and each one of us needs a community that supports each other.

Newsboys - Stay Strong
Lyrics

So, in order to encourage everyone, I am sharing this song with you all. I know that summers can be times that are difficult, since last year, I went through a lot of difficulty last summer, feeling alone, abandoned, and confused as to what to do. So, I hope that I can encourage people to stay strong, and remember that tomorrow is another day. No matter how hard things are going right now, remember that God is faithful and that with Him, we can win the race that seems impossible to run.

sorry for flaking

So, the last 2 days, I haven't been able to post on here since I haven't been at my computer much, since a bunch of family has been in town for one of my cousin's wedding that is happening in less than 4 hours! Anyways, I've been meaning to post up this song that I heard the other day, and it is just a good reminder that nothing in the world comes close to even sniffing the greatness of God! Hope everyone had a good 4th of July and blew a lot of stuff up...in good fun...haha.

Darlene Zschech - Shout to the Lord

I miss USC

One a side note...I have been thinking about next year a lot, and I want to be intense and intentional and passionate about what God has in store for me...I want it to kinda look like this.



Last night, I couldn't sleep, with so many thoughts running through my head until 3 AM...i tried to go to sleep around 12:30-1...didn't happen. Anyways, I was just thinking about how everyone there has changed my life and I just started praying for lots of people. Then, today, this song came on the radio, and I was like dang...I miss this lol. So, this song reminds me of the way Cauchy leads worship, and I am really excited to be going back next year to experience his leadership and just become closer to God through musical worship. At 3:08 in the song, I totally see Cauchy playing guitar haha. Ever since I found out I was going back to 'SC next year, I have been excited and ready for what God wants to do with me there. I no longer take being there for granted.

I couldn't find the song on imeem, so here it is on myspace.

Your grace is Enough - Matt Maher

Empty Me

Chris Sligh - Empty Me

Sorry, I was super tired today and as soon as I got back from work, I went straight to bed. Quarter end closes are a stressful time, and they were updating the software that I work with today, so I had to work @ 7:30 AM and get as much done as I could by 9. Anyways, this song was one that I heard last month that I had forgotten about, but it's still really good.

So...quick post today. This song talks about emptying ourselves of selfishness, pride, etc. This is extremely true as we are called to have humility and know that everything that we have is because of God's grace on us. Over this past year, foolish desires have come and gone, and I have gladly replaced them with more of God in my life and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to do that.

Imagine Me Without You

Jaci Velasquez - Imagine Me Without You
Lyics

So on my way to work today, I listend to a few songs, noting them as they had some meaning to me. However, I didn't feel like today was the day for those songs. Instead, I drove around the rest of the day, listening intently if the Lord had something to show me today. I drove from Mountain View to Stanford, to go and find another pair of basketball shorts, no luck. So, I continued driving, listening to the radio, and heard a few more songs, but it still didn't feel right. Then driving to the gym, nothing felt like it was hitting home, so then I drove to the gas station, since today was the last day of the month, and the discount on gas was running out. Then, this song comes on the radio, and I was like wow, this is SOOOO true and relevant in my life right now since I've been reflecting on where I've grown and where I still need to move forward.

It is truly hard for me to see where I was just a few years ago compared to where I am at now. It's almost impossible for me to imagine myself back in the same shoes that I wore two years ago. I was looking for affirmation from people trying to make myself look cool in order to impress others. However, now, with all that laid aside and something that lasts forever replacing it, my life is now worth while. Now, with God by my side I know that all things are possible through Christ and that he is the one who strengthens me. I am so fortune to be blessed this much, to be given a clean slate, freedom from a previous life, and a chance to start over.

Tenth Avenue North - Love is Here

Love is here
Lyrics

Day 2, 2 songs. After watching a completely dominating performance by the Spanish soccer team, I felt like I needed to go to the gym and relax. Today, lessons learned from summer conference revealed themselves again to me. As I was driving over to the gym, this song came on the radio. Fully understanding and allowing God to overwhelm us with his love is something that I have been working on this summer. Looking at these lyrics, I see how God loves us in more ways than we can possible imagine. The brokenness, shame, and toil have been removed and instead, love has replaced it. No other feeling compares to knowing each and everyday that we are God's beloved. Love is here for us, and it will never go away.


Second song for today is Only the World by Mandisa with Lyrics here. This speaks to me as I have been finding myself in situations where I have been in the world the past few weeks. However, I know that with God's promises there will be so much more than only the world. Can't wait for tomorrow and see what songs are provided by God for me!

Reflection on my old self.

So, I have been doing a lot of reflecting recently, and I myself realize how far I have come and grown and matured in just a few short years. Priorities have been shifted, and worries have been removed. So instead of looking out for myself first and trying to get as far as I can on my own, I have come to the conclusion that without other people helping me along the way, nothing would have been accomplished. Everyone who has lifted me up when I was down, encouraged me to keep going when I felt passion or a calling to do something, or called me out when I was wrong, I thank you for speaking truth to me.

As I had said, I feel so much more mature now than I was in the past. Looking at my xanga, from 3 years ago, I notice a change in character, language, and thoughts. In the past I carried a lot of anger, brokenness, emptiness, and sadness. Looking at my previous posts, I saw a lot of this in my life. However, now after a few years being on my own, meeting people who have supported me in ALL aspects of my life, I now no longer dwell on these feelings. Now I am filled with joy, happiness, and clarity. I no longer worry about the material things in life. I remember, back in high school, everyday, every week, I would be looking for an easy bet to make in order to make a little bit of money. Constantly fixated on this was not healthy for me, for it took the joy of the things in enjoyed the most. Sports no longer were a hobby where I could enjoy in my leisure, but rather, it became a business where if things didn't work out the way I expected, I would harbor lots of anger. Now, they are back to a passion of mine where I can enjoy in relaxation, although there is still disappointment and a little anger when things don't work out...but that's just me being emotional in the moment.

Another thing that I had become obsessed with back in the day was music. I wanted to collect all sorts of music, trying to make my collection impressive. However, none of it really matters anymore. Sometime in the middle of the year, I found myself realizing that I had become totally disconnected with music, and I had no idea about any new stuff. This allows me to enjoy the lyrical content of the songs rather than just having the song for the sake of having it. In order to share my joy of listening to songs that mean something to me, I hope to post a song each day and relate its importance to me to you.

The first song is by Tobymac called "One World"
As I was saying earlier, people had looked out for me and encouraged me in order to empower me to go places. I feel challenged to look out for others as much as I look out for myself. Another thing that I see is that hate will dissipate from our lives. Anger and hatred are two extremely powerful words that used to have a large effect on me. However, now they are gone from my life and instead I have been filled with love, forgiveness, and peace.