On my heart today.......

Music it has a way of evoking emotion.

A way of reminding us of a phase of life or bringing light to what we're currently going through. It has a way of helping you cope, inspiring you and allowing you to express what you're feeling when sometimes you just don't know how.

Music has always been a big part of my life. I was a band nerd from 5th grade all the way through high school, I sang in my high school choir, and in various pageants through out the years.

My Grandmother taught me hymns. I used to sing with her all the time as a kid growing up. In church is where my love for singing and for the Lord grew. My roommates and I led worship in college together for various retreats and church events. We were a modern day Point of Grace, with some amazing memories and stories from that time in life that I treasure.

I love when you find that perfect song that captures what you're going through. Maybe it's the song you chose for your wedding day that summed up your relationship with your Husband to be. Maybe it's that quirky song that has a beat that just makes you want to dance and fills your heart with happiness. Or maybe it's that sweet song that you relate to your children.

When I first heard the song Blessings by Laura Story I was in my car. I caught the premise of the song, when I got home that night I pulled it up on itunes to listen to the whole thing. The words to this song are so powerful, and ring so true in my life.

The last two and a half years have been years of growth and learning a lot of lessons about God and myself. I feel like I've lived every last single word of this beautiful song.

It makes me weep every time I hear it. Not from sadness but more from the blessings that have followed in my life since the hardest season I faced almost three years ago. You can't see it always while you're in it. God's timing is not your timing. It has taken me so long to see those things, but I am thankful for all the lessons.

My favorite line of this song says;

What if my greatest disappointment, or the aching of this life

Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy.

What if trials of this life the rain, the storms

the hardest nights are your mercies in disguise.

What if everything that happens to us in life is an opportunity to draw us closer to our Savior. I believe it is. In everything that happens we have a choice about how we're going to respond. Will we respond in love or anger? Will we draw closer to the Lord and look for the things he may want to teach us in every trial or will we retreat into ourselves and shut out the very person who can heal and bring us through?

I can tell you that in our flesh we will act out in anger, or hurt. And we will not look to the Lord always first for those lessons and unexpected blessings he has for us. I know that because I've done all those things and probably more.

But, I also know the freedom that comes when you truly forgive and let God into those hurt parts and disappointing parts of life. He makes them even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined them to be. He truly has a plan for you and your life.

This song has become one of my favorites and sums up a season of life for me, but it also is a small reminder about where I've come from and where I'm going. I am so blessed. Blessed in ways that others might not see as blessed but I trust and have faith and love for a Savior who brought me out of my despair and replaced my anger with eternal JOY.

I hope that no matter what you're facing today that you would be encouraged by this song. Encouraged to know that no matter what season you're in your life right now that God has blessings and peace ahead for you in life.

What your blessings come through rain drops

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know He's near

His promises are true today for YOU!

Joyfully, Andrea

Free Tip of the Week: Happy {Early} Mother's Day!

I want to introduce to you today the music of Jenn Dwyer! She's a wife, mother, singer/songwriter and so much more! I first became aware of Jenn and her music when she toured and was apart of NCU's One Accord. We became friends when I worked with her husband then in Minnesota.

Her music is pure. It's honest, and shows God's love.



She is generously offering a FREE download of her song Just Be. Written with Mothers in mind and for you!

I love the simple words to this song, where she says "just breathe." How often as mothers do we need to take a step back and remember that? A little reminder that our children are gifts from the Lord. I feel so blessed that God chose me to be Ava's mommy. He picked us and blessed us with her, we get to love and take care of her.

Go here to download your free copy of Just Be. Click the song link and then click "download song."

You can visit Jenn's website here.

Follow her on Twitter here.

Purchase the whole CD here. 

Spread the word and tell your friends! Thank you Jenn for sharing your heart and music with us.

Happy Early Mother's Day!!

the post where we talk about personal things.............

These past few weeks it seems like the days have just flown by us, there's been a lot on our hearts and minds. This summer will mark two years of us living in Arizona, it's hard to believe it's already been that long. It's hard to believe sometimes that the church we moved here is no longer, the reason we moved our entire lives is no longer the reason we're here. We've had a lot of changes in the last couple years and to say we're no strangers to change would be an understatement.

I feel like we've been in this season of learning, growing and trusting in the Lord. Honestly, there have been times when I have wanted this season to be over, times when I've embraced it, and mostly the Lord has been so faithful to us and redeemed so much that we've lost.

He has changed our hearts, our attitude and the coarse we thought life was on.

Since the closing of our church, Orion and I have been praying about what we wanted to do, where we were going to go from here. So many questions running through our minds. We really took the time to sit down and evaluate what we wanted from life, what God has put on our hearts and how do they work and fit into where we're at now?

In February we interviewed for a ministry position closer to my family in Iowa. It was exciting, and more so exciting to be closer to family. We waited 4 weeks before going to interview, during this time praying and seeking the Lord and going into this with an open mind. After interviewing and coming home to sort our thoughts, feelings and pray we knew that this wasn't the right fit for us for various reasons which aren't important to discuss here and now, we just knew that it wasn't the best for our family at this time. It would have been really easy to let our emotions about being closer to family, and having that support system cloud the judgement and will of God for our family. So as sad as we are to not be moving closer to family during this time we're at peace and confident in the decision that we've made.

Shortly after this Orion got a job offer from a local Christian University here in Phoenix. The job offer was overwhelming in such a good way. Something my Husband was instantly excited about, and felt a peace about. So after weighing all the options, and considering the benefits we've decided that he is going to take the job offer. One of the things that has weighed so heavy on our hearts this last year and half is the lack of family time we've had. With Orion's previous job the hours weren't ideal, we didn't have a lot of time together, we didn't have weekends free to plan because he was always working, he also had to work on Sundays too. With this new job everything is the exact opposite allowing us to finally have a normal schedule, weekends free and more time as a family.

Orion had his first day of training a couple weeks ago, to see my Husband come home so excited about his job, so hopeful for the future was a blessing. To hear him talk about his co-workers and the work he'll be doing with life in his voice made me excited, proud and extremely grateful for all the Lord's faithfulness and blessings.

Even though this has been an incredibly challenging couple of years I see how the Lord has taken so much and turned it around and how it fits into his plan. I spent many days since crying tears of joy and praying prayers of thankfulness about just how blessed I feel. How at peace I feel in where he's taking us.

I found this song a couple months back, and it makes me emotional every time I play it. When I think about the words they are so perfect to what we've been through these last couple years there's a verse in the song that says;

But when anything that's shattered is laid before the Lord

Just watch and see

It will not be unredeemed

There are so many situations and "things" that we've laid before God and thought we don't know how you're going to work this out, or how it's going to happen but we BELIEVE in your promises, we know they are true and we've made a choice to rest on that. With Orion's new job my heart gets excited about all the goals and opportunities that are now going to pass with this new blessing. I truly see how God has redeemed this situation and how we are stronger and better people now having been through this.

But you never know the miracle the Father has in store

Just watch and see

It will not be

Just watch and see

It will not be unredeemed

I don't know why sometimes things happen the way they do. But, I do have a choice and I can trust in Him who has never failed us, never let us down, the one who is keeping us in his hands so perfectly holding onto us. I sit back and marvel at all that God has done, and all that he's brought us through. I know things will never be perfect, I know there may be more trails to face, but I know we can also handle anything with the Lord's help and with his perfect peace.

My favorite verse in the Bible is Psalm 73:26 it says;

"Though my heart and flesh may fail, God is my strength and portion forever."

I am going to fail many times, life and people are going to disappoint and fail me. But, the Lord never does. His Love and strength are perfect when we are not, when we are weak, when we are at our worst. He is there, his grace covers everything, his love is bigger than we can imagine. It is only through the Lord's strength that I have been able to make it these past two years.

I have leaned on it. Needed it. And, know that it was there when I didn't have anyone or anything else to turn to. The words of this song are so true and resonate in my heart so much. God is truly the redeemer of all that is in our lives.

I pray that you are encouraged today. I pray that whatever it is that is going on in your life you'll be honest and humble enough before the Lord and let him teach you, let him redeem those things in your life.

Orion and I are entering a new season of life right now. We've been through a lot in the last couple years. I am excited for what God has for us, for what he has promised, for what he has REDEEMED! 

And even though there are no cute pictures of Ava. no DIY projects or random tid bits about celebrities, thank you for letting me share my heart and what the Lord is teaching me. Listen to this song, get in your quiet place, turn the music up and let the Lord speak what he wants to your heart today.





Sweet Moments

There are sweet moments in life, ones that you just want to hold onto forever, stick them in your back pocket so you can take them out and re live them again and again. 

Yesterday, while Orion was giving Ava a bath I heard him singing (which isn't out of the ordinary for him) but he was singing this; 

I didn't know he knew all the words, but he did. And he sang them all to her while doing his Daddy duties. And as I made dinner, and picked up toys my heart melted and my smile was BIG and I felt overwhelmed with JOY and truly BLESSED to call them my OWN. 

Free Tip of the Week: Music Downloads

This weeks free tips is all about music! If you go to Amazon.com and search "mp3 free downloads" a whole list of free songs will come up that you can download for absolutely free. 

I just downloaded a bunch of Classical music this morning, all for free! Can't beat that! 

And, on another side note my friend Sarah Darling whom I met while we both were starting out competing in pageants when we were teens has followed her dreams and finally cut a record! I'm so proud of her, it's amazing to see her hard work and determination pay off!

And this week she's the Amazon free download of the week! Click here, to download her cover of U2's 'With or Without You.' 

photo credit: sarahdarling.com

To All.....

My Mini Van Mammas & Daddys out there........

We don't have a Swagger Waggon yet, and I've vowed my whole life I would never have one, but this video makes me laugh so hard! Enjoy all you mini van lovin' parents out there! 

ps- Don't forget to enter my Mother's Day giveaway down on the post below this one!

About Last Night:

Remember my post about this video? Did you catch the ACM's last night? If you didn't you missed out on an amazing performance from Ms. Underwood herself. I've been in love with this song, since I first heard it. Humming it to myself over and over again, turning it up really loud when it comes on the radio and falling in love with the pure truth of the lyrics.

Last night Carrie knocked it out of the park when she performed this song. Very emotional for me as I listened, this song reminds me of my Grandpa.

If you missed it last night, you can watch the video again and again below:

Ps- Congrats to Ms. Underwood for being honored with the Triple Crown Award & winning Entertainer of the Year last night! Who knew a little girl from Oklahoma would win America Idol and accomplish all that?! Amazing.

Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood

I love this video, it was just released this week. Carrie Underwood has been one of my favorites since she was on America Idol. Hubby likes her cause she's from Oklahoma!

She does it again with another amazing song, with powerful words. The love the way her music connects hearts and people, isn't that how music and lyrics should be? A way to connect emotions that people can't even speak sometimes in a single song.

I actually sat and cried my eyes out as I listened to the words of this song and just how true and powerful they really are.

If you haven't seen video yet, click and watch below. Enjoy! [and maybe bring the tissues too]

I don't feel like it's so sad, but I feel like it's more about HOPE than anything else. That no matter what we're going through it's only temporary and there's hope on the other side of what you're going through.

Sara's Farewell Video

I made this little video for my friend Sara, who is this year's outgoing Miss Capital City. Since the day I met Sara her heart and generosity for people caught my attention. Over the last year I've been able to work with her, mentor her and be apart of a wonderful phase in her life. My life has been enriched and blessed in so many ways by her. I am proud and honored to have met her and be apart of her life, and to call her friend.

Sara I know that God has amazing things ahead for you in this next journey! My love and prayers are with you as you seek it. Enjoy this video!

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S!

This awesome video was made by River Valley Church in Apple Valley, MN. Starring the amazing Pastor's wives of the church. The video was made as a promo for their annual women's conference called "Sparkle." I think it's just genius, take a look see!

Sparkle - Glamorous Video from River Valley Church on Vimeo.

Lucky

This is my new fave song, the words are just perfect. It reminds me of everything falling and staying in love should be. Take a peak, and listen at the end! :)

Do you hear me,

I'm talking to you

Across the water across the deep blue ocean

Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying

Boy I hear you in my dreams

I feel your whisper across the sea

I keep you with me in my heart

You make it easier when life gets hard

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

They don't know how long it takes

Waiting for a love like this

Every time we say goodbye

I wish we had one more kiss

I'll wait for you I promise you, I will

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

Lucky we're in love every way

Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed

Lucky to be coming home someday

And so I'm sailing through the sea

To an island where we'll meet

You'll hear the music fill the air

I'll put a flower in your hair

though the breezes through trees

Move so pretty you're all I see

As the world keeps spinning round

You hold me right here right now

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

I'm lucky we're in love every way

Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed

Lucky to be coming home someday

Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

Ooooh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

*****

I Will Not Be Moved.

I love the words to this song. It's such a great anthem.

Watch it. Love it. Live it.

Natalie Grant is one of my favorites. Her songs get me right where I'm at, and she's such a down to earth gal. Which makes her even more loveable and real.

Now Showing!

Are you watching American Idol this season? I am! We have a connection group at church totally devoted to Idol, what could be better than getting some people together to watch all the antics of the AI judges, and contestants? I love, love, AI! I've been watching it since the 1st season when Kelly won, and been hooked ever since. Who's your favorite idol winner? Contestant? Mine, would have to be Carrie Underwood, she's pretty amazing. I love all her music, I blast it really loud in my car when no ones around! I saw this cute little video & song she did for the movie Enchanted!





It's one of the best times I've had all week, and truly a highlight! This week we all got together on Tuesday to watch the men, and vote for our favs, and to see who gets kicked off! My votes for the people leaving tonight: Luke and Dave Hernandez! I think they are going home, we'll see if I'm right and if not I'll still be wishing them good bye.
Each season is filled with highs and lows from both contestants and judges, and if you we're watching last night...you we're probably thinking the same thing I was...seriously Paula? Sometimes I can't tell if she's really as nuts as she sounds, or if it's all an act for t.v. I truly wonder sometimes.
But whatever it is....it keeps me watching, voting and wondering how the season will turn out! I can't wait to see who gets the boot tonight!