Blessings by Laura Story

First time I heard this song, I fell in love with it.  Maybe because it's a song of comfort.  And in this world, who doesn't need to be comforted when you're going through something difficult, right?  I'm a person who doesn't easily open up to people about my troubles.  I'm more of an introvert.  I usually would try to sort things out by myself, particularly in those confusing times.  And yes, prayer helps a lot.  When you bring it up to God, somehow the load doesn't seem to press heavily on you anymore.  When you pray, it changes your perspective.  That's why they say prayer is not really for God, because He has everything already.  We pray because it is one of our soul's greatest needs...to connect to Him. Prayer does not change God, but it changes us in the process.

Worship Changes the Heart

I'm sure that there were times when you've felt so down, like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.  And there were times that you feel that weight crushing you.  Or there could be times that you are so upset maybe with people or at circumstances.  Sometimes, we cry, sometimes we respond with anger or self pity or we succumb to depression.

And during those times, I am most sure we could use a good shoulder to cry on, ears to listen to our rants, a wise counsel from someone we look up to, or simply someone to hold your hand.  But what if you find yourself alone?  And you find that whatever you're going through is just too much.  What do you do?

Sometimes, it helps to take yourself out of the situation...to zoom out for a while.  A change in perspective helps.  It's not easy but for me, I find that music helps to "take me out" of the situation for a while...worship music in particular.  And don't they say that you have to learn to praise Him at all times?  

I would admit that listening to music would have been the last thing on my mind when I am upset or angry.  Still, one time, I tried it and worshiping and praising Him did change how I saw things.  It cleared my fogged mind and eased my troubled heart.  It gave me a reason to be thankful for....grateful for His goodness.  True worship does that...and it reminds us that we have a God who is indeed bigger than all of the world's problems...and He loves us.

Worship changes the heart in so many ways.  It takes away our focus from our pains and shifts it to Him.  When we are focused on Him, there will always be that assurance and strength to face whatever life throws at us.  

This is a nice song that I'd like to share with you. His love is really amazing.  Have a blessed weekend!

 

The Comfort of Prayers And A Song

The aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan has left a heavy feeling in my heart for the past few days. I have said I was crying on the inside, but I find sometimes that tears would just well up when I read about the plight of the people of Tacloban and neighboring provinces. 

Although I am touched with grief and helplessness, I also feel blessed with the outpouring of prayers and relief support from all over the world. Crisis do bring out the good in most people who sympathize, pray, and give whatever they could, in terms of basic necessities and services.

{Music}: Autumn Leaves

Soulful. Poignant. Deep. Melancholic.  

I don't really know what to make of this song so I am just describing it by what it evokes from me.  I love the melody, that's for sure.  The lyrics, deep, yes.  It could have a dozen or so interpretations.  See for yourself.  I just think the 747 towards the end kind of pulled the classical appeal  to the side.


AUTUMN LEAVES

Another day another life
Passes by just like mine
It's not complicated
Another mind
Another soul
Another body to grow old
It's not complicated

The PianoGuys Making Beautiful Music

Last Sunday, I was already late for the church service.  I was actually contemplating on just attending the next service but I found myself catching up instead.  I'm glad I did because I would have missed watching this video.  It was my first time to see these very talented men who definitely love what they do and they do it with such passion that even just a casual observer would stop and look...and listen.  How it ended up being a part of the preaching, well, have you got two hours so I could tell you?  If you don't, then just read on.  You'll probably get the gist of the preaching that involved pianos and a teeny bopper boy band.

"I Believe" by Blessid Union of Souls

I was going over my playlist and I was just listening to this favorite song from Blessid Union of Souls. It's one of their most popular songs, and admittedly the only one I know from the group hahaha!  I better explore their other songs.  This song, "I Believe (Love Will Find a Way)" has caught my attention right from the intro of the song.  It's a very beautiful piano rendition which, on the guitar has only four chords that you keep playing on a loop all throughout the song.  Very simple chords and sometimes I would just close my eyes while I play the guitar and sing along.  I love that the song has meaningful lyrics too and not just a pretty melody. Reading from this article, I found out that this song is very much personal for the singer Eliot Sloan about that part where he sings about Lisa.  But the song speaks of more than just a failed romance, as you would see from the lyrics.  And how he came up with the beautiful melody is much like something given to him by divine inspiration.  Here's the song and the lyrics below the video.

  

Lyrics | Blessed Union Of Souls lyrics - I Believe lyrics

Chilling Out With Cool Jazz

Headphones, a photo by Kashirin Nickolai on Flickr.

It must have been ages ago since I visited my music files as I got into the mood of arranging the playlists on my mp3 player.   And so I came across the jazz folder that I rarely listen to.  I was never really much into jazz until my good friend rubbed it on me some years ago.  Before that, I was just into those pop music.  Well, at least now, I get to appreciate more types of music. 

Chilling Out With Vanilla Twilight

I love the expression on the people's faces as they look up at what was supposed to be a vanilla twilight sky. Was that the Aurora Borealis or something else? I think it's something else because the Northern lights are more colorful, I think. But whatever it is, it really is a heavenly thing. I will always be in awe like them. As I am with the song. I find the melody relaxing much like Owl City's "Fireflies." There's some sweetness in the tune. The lyrics are simple and sweet also. I can keep on listening to this all day.  And it does remind me of someone.  :-)