Seven years ago, I did the unthinkable.
I set the radio station to SmileFM and left it there.
Yeah. Me. Miss Christian-music-isn't-cool (even though I am a Christian--wow, what an ego I had!).
Shortly after I tuned into this fresh, upbeat, very contemporary music, more things started clicking with me and my faith. I've been a lifelong Christian, but I never utilized all of the amazing tools so readily available.
I started shopping at Christian bookstores. Buying devotionals. Slipping inspirational cards into my kids' lunch boxes.
I started having afternoon tea with God. Reading a chapter of the Bible every morning along with a short devotional by Max Lucado.
I started fretting less, and feeling good even when I had to make difficult decisions based on my faith.
Basically, the more I let God into my life, the more He changed me to be a godly woman. Don't get me wrong, by godly I don't mean perfect! I'm about as imperfect as they come! But God extends His grace to me every day and helps me do His will.
Even when I get too busy and "forget" to have afternoon tea with God or stop letting the radio station linger on Christian stations, God finds ways to bring me back.
I've been reading Married for Real by Eddie and Tamara George. In it, Eddie shares his journey in becoming a top running back in the NFL. It was not an easy road, and he had several periods of almost non-activity in his career--yet, he never gave up or even slacked off on his training. He attributed it to God and his strong faith. He shared a song he listened to every night, "Could You Believe," by Al Jarreau. I downloaded it. When I hear this beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Al's passionate voice, I want to shake my fist in the air and yell, "Yes! I, too, can believe!"
Christian music uplifts me. Every time.
If you find yourself feeling a little lost or overly busy or confused or just depressed, go ahead and listen to Al Jarreau's song. We all can believe.
What music uplifts you? Do you have a go-to song?
Enjoy your weekend!!
I love Christian music, too, though I will confess to sometimes getting into a routine of listening solely to Coldplay. Haha! I just love them so much. But yeah, one of my go-to Christian bands is Leeland...I love how so many of their songs are calls to action. And I love worship music--especially Matt Redman.
ReplyDeleteI listen to different genres at different times. I'll have to check Leeland out! Happy birthday, lady!!
DeleteYou and Jessica are on the same page today! I still like the 90s Christian music the best. Jars of Clay and DC Talk are two of my all time favorites.
ReplyDeleteCool! I'll check DC Talk out--hadn't heard of that band!
DeleteI love the idea of Christian music, but find myself getting frustrated too easily at the repetitiveness of it all when I try listening to Christian radio. So I actually listen more to classical music stations - most of those are pure worship without even the need for words. When I do listen to contemporary stuff, I really love Robin Mark! And "Behold Our God" by Sovereign Grace Music is just amazing - I can listen to THAT so many times before I find that one repetitive!
ReplyDeleteLouise, I find that true with all radio stations. It's very frustrating. I get tired of the "repeat" playlists too. Thanks for the recommendations!
DeleteOur brains are in sync today. Big time! ha! I LOVE Christian music. Not that I don't love "secular" (I don't really like that word) because boy do I, but there is something uplifting and feel good to my soul about it!
ReplyDeleteOoo, I'm stopping over in a minute! I love Christian music too. :)
DeleteSame here, Jill! Christian music is all I choose to listen too for that same reason...I feel uplifted, blessed, encouraged when I do. I've been in that same habit for so long now, that my kids (7, 6 and 3) have almost no idea that songs without Jesus in them exist. I know they'll hate me in middle school. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful!! We listen to a lot of top 40 (I love to dance and am drawn to songs with a good beat), but I turn it to the Christian stations often. The mainstream lyrics nowdays make it difficult to even keep a song on in the car!
DeleteLove Christian music. Years ago - we're talking teenage years here - God started first on me with music, then moved to what I read, then moved to what I watched...it makes such a difference in the atmosphere around you and the thoughts that sneak into our heads and hearts. And while I do sometimes still switch the channels (I love everything from Broadway to Bon Jovi and back again), I am super-sensitive to what they're singing. And when I get chaotic, it's the good ol' hymns all the way:)
ReplyDeleteI love a wide variety of music, too, Susan--and I can so relate to how one Christian format can lead us to other formats. I love that! I saw Bon Jovi in concert back in the day (by day, I mean 100 years ago!)--good stuff!
DeleteI love that a lot of folks in our blogging circles are on the music kick this Friday! :)
ReplyDeleteI listen mostly to country music, with a lot of praise and worship thrown in.
Right now the song I can't get out of my head was one was sang at conference: You are Good.
I love country music too, Erica! I think Carrie Underwood is coming out with something new soon. I can't wait! :)
DeleteI agree totally! When I keep my radio tuned to Christian radio I feel like I am worshipping all day!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that true? Worshiping all day! You have such a beautiful voice, too. :)
DeleteI love Christian radio.
ReplyDeleteIn praise band this week, we are singing David Crowder's How He Loves Us.
Powerful song.
I love Christian/worship music. I keep my car tuned to a local radio station (88.3 FM) called "The Wind." Don't have to worry about off-color jokes or naughty innuendoes.
DeleteMy favorite go-to song is always Mercy Me's I Can Only Imagine.
Have a super weekend! :)
Lindsay, I'm not familiar with that one--I'll check it out! Thanks!
DeleteCynthia, I love that song too. Isn't it beautiful? I'll admit, I get teary-eyed sometimes!
I listen to classical music much of the time. I can't write when I hear words, so this works for me. It also transports me back in time, which I like.
ReplyDeleteI've gone in search of some contemporary Christian artists, but I don't know where to begin. The last time I was up on things, Michael W. Smith was the top name. Although I love rocking out to upbeat praise songs in church, I like a restful, soothing feel to the music when I listen to it at home. I'd welcome some suggestions from those of you in the know.
Keli, I love R&B but a lot of the R&B Christian artists were more popular in the 80's and 90's. I get excited about songs that hit that spot but don't feel too dated! The Al Jarreau song above is a gem. I'm not familiar with many of the "softer" artists out there. If you find any, tell me!
DeleteI love this post. Music can make a big difference in how a person feels. I understand what you're saying about making time for God in your life and spending time reading the scriptures. It certainly makes a difference in my life.
ReplyDeleteYes! And music can be a trigger, or a reminder, that hey, I have stuff to discuss with God--time for a talk!
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