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.