tuesday tunes: Christmas edition AND a giveaway!

Long time no blog! Just before, or was it just after? Thanksgiving I got SO busy with school and sessions and the holidays that I haven't had a Tuesday tune in quite some time. Hopefully I'll be better at it in the new year. We'll see. ;)

My #1, all time favorite Christmas song is Mary Did You Know. LOVE IT. I don't particularly care who is singing it, but Kathy Mattea does an awesome version. Julianne Hough also recorded a rendition of it + It Wasn't His Child with Phil Vassar that I LOVE. Awesome.

Mary Did You Know (written by Mark Lowry & Buddy Greene)

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? D

id you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

Now, onto the giveaway! Comment on this entry with your favorite Christmas song by midnight PST on December 25th and win an iTunes gift card!

One disclaimer... Sorry family, you're not eligible. I still love you and would LOVE to hear your favorite Christmas song. But I'm not going to let you win. ;)

tuesday tunes

This week's tune comes from an artist who's been featured before, Francesca Battistelli. I really like her. I need to add some of her music to my ipod. Very inspiring and thought provoking. I especially like the line, "Every day the choices you make say what you are and who your heart beats for." People are always keeping their eye on other people. I find this to be even more true of those who proclaim their faith. For those that have a different faith or none at all, they watch those who profess theirs to see how they live it. I'm doing my best to live it right... Every day is a challenge. I'm just thankful that I'm not expected to be perfect. ;)

It's Your Life by Francesca Battistelli

This is the moment
It’s on the line
Which way you gonna fall?
In the middle between
Wrong and right
But you know after all

(Chorus)
It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life

Are you who you always said you would be?
With a sinking feeling in your chest
Always waiting for someone else to fix you
Tell me when did you forget

(Chorus)

To live the way that you believe
This is your opportunity
To let your life be one that lights the way

(Chorus)

Not the best recording ever, but to give you an idea....

tuesday tunes

I was inspired this week by the what will be my next entry. 10 days ago I was privileged enough to be present at and documenting the birth of a beautiful little boy. More about that in a bit. ;) In the meantime, check out this song from one of my favorite artists.

Two People Fell in Love - Brad Paisley

A baby's born in the middle of the night in a local delivery room
They grab his feet, smack him till he cries he goes home the next afternoon
'Fore you know it he's off to school and then he graduates in May
Goes out and gets a Ph.D. and then cures all sorts of things
Wins a Nobel Prize and saves a million different lives
The world's a better place for all he's done
It's funny when you think about the reason he's alive
It's all because two people fell in love

Right now at a picnic shelter down by Caney Creek
You'll find potato salad hot dogs and baked beans
The whole Wilson family's lined up fillin' their paper plates
They've drove or flown in here from fifteen different states
Well Stanley Wilson says that sixty years ago he knew
That Miss Emma Tucker was the one
Now five generations get together every June
All because two people fell in love

[1st Chorus]
There ain't nothin' not affected
When two hearts get connected
All that is, will be, or ever was
Every single choice we make
Every breath we get to take
Is all because two people fell in love

Well, I recall a young man who was driftin' aimlessly
And a young waitress who seemed lonesome as could be
But in a little cafð³ right off of fourteenth avenue
With a whole lotta help from up above
We met and things sure turned around for me and you
And all because two people fell in love

[2nd Chorus]
Baby, there ain't nothin' not affected
When two hearts get connected
All that is, will be, or ever was
I'm glad your dad could not resist
Your mama's charms and you exist
All because two people fell in love

[Tag]
You know, to me it's all so clear
Every one of us is here
All because two people fell in love

A baby's born in the middle of the night in a local delivery room
They grab his feet, smack him till he cries he goes home the next afternoon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHw3BX5MgPs

I think this week I'm going to let the artist (both singer and songwriter) speak for himself. Well, mostly. ;) He nailed me with the "talked too much" in school part. Was that ever me! Many of the areas of my life are in a wait and see place. Right now it's all about trusting in the plan.

Wait and See by Brandon Heath

"'Wait and See' is probably the most autobiographical song I've ever written. But I think that anybody can relate to this song, and be encouraged to know that God has a plan for us, even if we still feel like a failure at times. If we come to know Jesus as our Savior, He is going to change our hearts and lead us into a greater existence other than for ourselves. For me, the last verse of 'Wait and See' is really what my journey is all about, 'now's my time to be a man, follow my heart as far as I can, no telling where I'm ending up tonight.' Most nights, I am in a hotel room and I barely know where I am, but I know that I'm doing what I am supposed to be doing. I just have to wait and see what God is going to do with the rest of the story. I'm encouraged by what He has done already, but I know that the story will continue to unfold and I'll keep learning more about the purpose of my life."

I was born in Tennessee

Late July humidity

Doctor said I was lucky to be alive

I've been trouble since the day that I got here

Trouble till the day that I disappear

That'll be the day that I finally get it right

There is hope for me yet

Because God won't forget

All the plans he's made for me

I have to wait and see

He's not finished with me yet

I never really was that good in school

I talked too much, broke the rules

Teacher thought I was hopeless fool alright

I don't know how but I made it through

It's one of those things that you've gotta do

But I always had a knack for telling the truth

Chorus

Still wondering why I'm here

Still wrestling with my fear

But oh, He's up to something

And the farther on I go

I've seen enough to know

That I'm, not here for nothing

He's up to something

So now's my time to be a man

Follow my heart as far as I can

No telling where I'm ending up tonight

I never slow down or so it seems

But singing my heart it's one of my dreams

All I gotta do is hold on tight

Chorus

tuesday tunes... barely remembered!

The other night I stopped by the library to pick up some books. I was browsing the section with books on faith and picked up a little one by Michael W. Smith. It is the story of how he came to write this song. I'm looking forward to reading it. In the meantime, here's the tune.

This Is Your Time by Michael W. Smith

It was a test we could all hope to pass
But none of us would want to take.
Faced with the choice to deny God to live,
For her, there was one choice to make.

This was her time. this was her dance.
She lived every moment; left nothing to chance.
She swam in the sea; drank of the deep;
Embraced the mystery of all she could be.

This was her time...

Though you are mourning and grieving with us,
Death died a long time ago;
Swallowed in life so that life carries on.
Still its so hard to let go.

This was her time. this was her dance.
She lived every moment; left nothing to chance.
She swam in the sea; drank of the deep;
Embraced the mystery of all she could be.

What if tomorrow, and what if today,
Faced with the question,
Oh what would you say?

This is your time. this is your dance.
Live every moment. leave nothing to chance.
Swim in the sea. drink of the deep.
Follow the mercy and hear yourself praying.

Wont you save me?
Wont you save me?

This is your time. this is your dance.
Live every moment. leave nothing to chance.
Swim in the sea. drink of the deep.
Embrace the mystery of all you can be.

This is your time. this is your dance.
Live every moment. leave nothing to chance.
Swim in the sea. drink of the deep.
Embrace the mystery of all you can be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnunUYtokfo

tuesday tunes

I love Kutless. They're one of my favorite bands. These guys seriously rock. I think I've blogged about them before. I got their album Live From Portland and have most of it on my playlist for running. It keeps me going. Just recently they released a new song with a slightly different sound. All it's done is make me love them more. The last two weeks my pastor has been talking about miracles. They still happen. I'm praying for a couple right now.

Kutless - What Faith Can Do

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

tuesday tunes

Sunday afternoon (I think it was) I was on my way to meet up with some friends that I hadn't seen in YEARS (waves to David, Carly and their girls!) for a photo session when I heard one of Darryl Worley's latest songs. Darryl recorded one of my favorite songs a few years ago - Awful Beautiful Life. Love that song. May actually feature it one of these days. ;) This song actually hits me in a similar way. While things in my life may not be exactly what I planned or ever imagined, this is my life. I'm just living it out. :)

Sounds Like Life To Me by Darryl Worley

Got a call last night from an old friend’s wife
Said I hate to bother you
Johnny Ray fell off the wagon
He’s been gone all afternoon
I know my buddy so I drove to Skully’s
And found him at the bar
I say hey man, what’s going on
He said I don’t know where to start

Sarah’s old car’s about to fall apart
And the washer quit last week
We had to put momma in the nursing home
And the baby’s cutting teeth
I didn’t get much work this week
And I got bills to pay
I said I know this ain’t what you wanna hear
But it’s what I’m gonna say

(Chorus)
Sounds like life to me it ain’t no fantasy
It’s just a common case of everyday reality
Man I know it’s tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy
It sounds like life to me

Well his face turned red and he shook his head
He said you don’t understand
Three kids and a wife depend on me
And I’m just one man
To top it off I just found out
That Sarah’s 2 months late
I said hey bartender set us up a round
We need to celebrate

(Chorus)
Sounds like life to me plain old destiny
Yeah the only thing for certain is uncertainty
You gotta hold on tight just enjoy the ride
Get used to all this unpredictability
Sounds like life

Man I know its tough but you gotta suck it up
To hear you talk you’re caught up in some tragedy
Sounds like life to me
Sounds like life

tuesday tunes... tardy again...

Last weekend I had the IMMENSE pleasure of seeing my best girlfriend, my goddaughter Marcella (her 3.5 year old) and her newest baby girl Aurora (9 weeks). We had a blast. Marcella is a RIOT. I'm seriously in love with that girl. I've always loved her, but this particular visit she was sweet, FUN and hilarious. I couldn't get enough. I wish I could have kept her. :) In Marcella's honor this week's tune is a favorite among kiddos her age...

Teasing Mr. Crocdile

Five little monkeys
Sitting in a tree
Teasing Mr. Crocodile,
"You can't catch me."
Along came Mr. Crocodile,
Quiet as can be
SNAP

Four little monkeys
Sitting in a tree
Teasing Mr. Crocodile,
"You can't catch me."
Along came Mr. Crocodile,
Quiet as can be
SNAP

Three little monkeys
Sitting in a tree
Teasing Mr. Crocodile,
"You can't catch me."
Along came Mr. Crocodile,
Quiet as can be
SNAP

Two little monkeys
Sitting in a tree
Teasing Mr. Crocodile,
"You can't catch me."
Along came Mr. Crocodile,
Quiet as can be
SNAP

One little monkey
Sitting in a tree
Teasing Mr. Crocodile,
"You can't catch me."
Along came Mr. Crocodile,
Quiet as can be
SNAP

No more little monkeys
Sitting in a tree

And one of my favorite snaps of Marcella from our visit...

How precious is that girl?!? She LOVES her some chickens. Poor Marcella discovered that I, alas, am pretty much a city girl. I like to camp, I'll hike a little, that kind of thing... But picking up chickens and carrying them around for no reason doesn't interest me at all. ;)

tuesday tunes: request edition!

A friend of mine emailed me the other day and recommended I share the following song. I love the simple comforts of it. I hope you enjoy.

The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets

Three in the morning

And I'm still awake

So I picked up a pen and a page

And I started writing

Just what I'd say

If we were face to face

I'd tell you just what you mean to me

I'd tell you these simple truths

Be strong in the Lord and

Never give up hope

You're going to do great things

I already know

God's got His hand on you so

Don't live life in fear

Forgive and forget

But don't forget why you're here

Take your time and pray

These are the words I would say

Last time we spoke

You said you were hurting

And I felt your pain in my heart

I want to tell you

That I keep on praying

Love will find you where you are

I know cause I've already been there

So please hear these simple truths

Be strong in the Lord and

Never give up hope

You're going to do great things

I already know

God's got His hand on you so

Don't live life in fear

Forgive and forget

But don't forget why you're here

Take your time and pray

These are the words I would say

From one simple life to another

I will say

Come find peace in the Father

Be strong in the Lord and

Never give up hope

You're going to do great things

I already know

God's got His hand on you so

Don't live life in fear

Forgive and forget

But don't forget why you're here

Take your time and pray

Thank God for each day

His love will find a way

These are the words I would say

tuesday tunes

Even if you're not convinced that Jesus is the way, I think we can all agree with Casting Crowns assessment of what the world does and doesn't need. One of the things I love about listening to this song is that after the second verse there's a section where they have young people (teens maybe?) sharing things like, "The world doesn't need my tithe, my hoodie or my translation of the Bible". Imagine that. ;) Probably my favorite line comes in the second verse, "God's got to change her heart before he changes her shirt." I love that! So often we (as a society and as individuals) make unfair judgments on people based solely on their appearance. I know I'm a lot more than mine, so I try to watch that. If only I were perfect. ;) I love Casting Crowns and have been listening to their first three albums on shuffle on my iPod lately. It makes me really happy. :)

What This World Needs by Casting Crowns

What this world needs is not another one hit wonder with an axe to grind
Another two bit politician peddling lies
Another three ring circus society
What this world needs is not another sign waving super saint that's better than you
Another ear pleasing candy man afraid of the truth
Another prophet in an Armani suit

What this world needs is a Savior who will rescue
A Spirit who will lead
A Father who will love them in their time of need
A Savior who will rescue
A Spirit who will lead
A Father who will love
That's what this world needs

What this world needs is for us to care more about the inside than the outside
Have we become so blind that we can't see
God's gotta change her heart before He changes her shirt
What this world needs is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance
Blending in so well that people can't see the difference
And it's the difference that sets the world free

Jesus is our Savior, that's what this world needs
Father's arms around you, that's what this world needs
That's what this world needs

tuesday tunes

Today's song is one that I'm sure we can all relate to at some level...

The Hard Way by Eric Church

Only fools would race down Gristmill Road
Let alone in angry weather
That’s what I tell everyone I know
Now that I know better

That’s a lesson I wish I would have learned
Without having to watch my Mustang burn
Before my best buddy had to wind up hurt
And his whole life was changed
That’s a lesson I wish I didn’t learn
The hard way

Only a fool would keep a diamond ring
In a box on the top of his closet
He came so close, he almost asked
It was right there in his pocket

That’s a lesson I wish I would have learned
Before standing in the back row of that church
Watching her daddy givin’ her
To the man who took my place
That’s a lesson I wish I didn’t learn
The hard way

Regrets been known to give a man a beatin’
But I ain’t in the mood for fighting back this evening

Only fools don’t take the time of day
They stay too busy running
To stop just once and tell their dad
Just how much they love him

That’s a lesson I wish I would have learned
Before the phone call came and it was her
No, Mama never had to say a word
I knew it was too late
That’s a lesson I wish I didn’t learn
The hard way... The hard way
The hard way... The hard way

Now, I haven't learned any of those particular lessons, but trust me, I've learned my share. :)

tuesday tunes

I heard this song on the radio the other day and I just love it. The music, the lyrics, the message. And while it's primarily about a young girl/young woman, I think it's just as true for the guys. ;) I feel this way about my husband, my dad, my brothers as well as all of the wonderful women in my life. To all of you who have made and continue to make a difference in who I am - there could never be a more beautiful you.

More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn’t straight her body isn’t fake
And she’s always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you
Defy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you’ve already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you’ve got a man but he’s got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there’s a man whose love is true
And he’ll treat you like the jewel you are

There could never be a more beautiful you
Defy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

So turn around you’re not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It’s not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who’s strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl


There could never be a more beautiful you
Defy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you
There could never be, a more beautiful you.

And a little treat - here's an acoustic version recorded at the radio station I heard it on!

Tuesday Tunes

I almost forgot again! Since I set up last week's song to post while we were enjoying the fabulous OR Coast, I tried to remind myself every day to be sure and get this week's song up. I almost spaced it until I was in the car on my way home and heard one of Brad Paisley's new songs. It's a look at the past compared with the present and is titled Welcome to the Future... Now, I can remember having video games at home, but we never had a TV in the car. ;) Enjoy! If anything in these lyrics strike you, leave me a comment! I'd love to hear about it!

Welcome to the Future by Brad Paisley

When I was ten years old,
I remember thinkin' how cool it would be,
When we were goin' on an eight hour drive,
If I could just watch T.V.

And I'd have given anything
To have my own PacMan game at home.
I used to have to get a ride down to the arcade;
Now I've got it on my phone.

He-e-ey...
Glory glory hallelujah.
Welcome to the future.

My grandpa was in World War II,
He fought against the Japanese.
He wrote a hundred letters to my grandma;
Mailed em from his base in the Philippines.

I wish they could see this now,
Where they say this change can go.
Cause I was on a video chat this morning
With a company in Tokyo.

He-e-ey...
Everyday is a revolution.
Welcome to the future.

He-e-ey...
Look around it's all so clear.
He-e-ey...
Wherever we would go and well we...
He-e-ey...
So many things I never thought I'd see...
Happening right in front of me.

I had a friend in school,
Running-back on a football team,
They burned a cross in his front yard
For asking out the home-coming queen.

I thought about him today,
Everybody who's seen what he's seen,
From a woman on a bus
To a man with a dream.

He-e-ey...
Wake up Martin Luther.
Welcome to the future.
He-e-ey...
Glory glory hallelujah.
Welcome to the future.

Tuesday Tunes

I've been thinking a lot lately about how truly blessed we are to have the parents we have. We got the best parents. They've all played tremendous roles in shaping the people we've become and continue to do so. When Jake and I got married, we decided to combine the traditional father-daughter & mother-son dances. Saved time and saved our guests from having to watch two separate dances. I think we can all agree that after the first 60-90 seconds of unchoreographed dancing, you've seen all there is to see. ;) Here's our dancing with our parents song...

You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be.



Thanks parents for raising us up.

Tuesday Tunes

I just got to listen to a wonderful album, Don't Get Comfortable by Brandon Heath. My favorite track on this album is called I'm Not Who I Was. On his website Brandon includes not only the lyrics but a note about each song. I LOVE his message here. In so, SO many ways, I'm not who I was. And that's okay. In fact, it's probably a good thing. ;) He speaks some powerful truth in this song. My favorite line is that there's nothing more amazing in amazing grace than the opportunity to share it with others.

I'm Not Who I Was by Brandon Heath

"I found an old photograph of a person that I hadn't seen in a long time. There was some hurt that came along with the memory of that person. Looking at the picture, it inspired me to write a song about forgiveness. I was able to speak my heart through the song and move on in the freedom of forgiveness. This is a personal song and I wasn't sure if I wanted to put it on the record. Now that I have, I'm glad that I did."

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was
I used to be mad at you
A little on the hurt side too
But I'm not who I was

I found my way around
To forgiving you
Some time ago
But I never got to tell you so

I found us in a photograph
I saw me and I had to laugh
You know, I'm not who I was
You were there, you were right above me
And I wonder if you ever loved me
Just for who I was

When the pain came back again
Like a bitter friend
It was all that I could do
To keep myself from blaming you

I reckon it's a funny thing
I figured out I can sing
Now I'm not who I was
I write about love and such
Maybe 'cause I want it so much
I'm not who I was

I was thinking maybe I
I should let you know
I am not the same
But I never did forget your name
Hello

Well the thing I find most amazing
In amazing grace
Is the chance to give it out
Maybe that's what love is all about

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

Check out the video here!

Tuesday Tunes

A couple of weeks ago I updated my facebook status that I had cried at the same movie AGAIN. There is something about the end of A Walk to Remember (with Mandy Moore) that gets me EVERY TIME. I know the end is coming... I know how it goes... And still, each time I'm wiping away tears. I found that not only does she sing one of the songs in the movie, but another band covers it as well.

Only Hope by Mandy Moore OR by Switchfoot

There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write
over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
Would you sing to me over and over and
over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
And pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

Sing to me the song of the stars
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing
and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that you have
for me over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
And pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

I give you my destiny
I'm giving you all of me
I want your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands
And pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

Another late edition of Tuesday Tunes, or I guess you could call them Thursday Tunes...

I have spent two of the last three evenings in a truck, keeping my hubby company on down and back trips to Portland. Last night this song came on the radio and I was reminded that I really do have all I need. I'm so blessed.

Alright by Darius Rucker

Alright, Alright
Yeah it's alright, alright

Don't need no five star reservations
I've got spaghetti and a cheap bottle of wine
Don't need no concert in the city
I've got a stereo and the best of Patsy Cline
Ain't got no caviar no Dom Perignon
But as far as I can see, I've got everything I want

Cause I've got a roof over my head,
the woman I love laying in my bed
And it's alright, alright
I've got shoes under my feet
Forever in her eyes staring back at me
And it's alright, alright
And I've got all I need
And it's alright by me

Maybe later on we'll walk down to the river
Lay on a blanket and stare up at the moon
It may not be no French Riviera
But it's all the same to me as long as I've got you

It may be a simple life, but that's okay
If you ask me baby, I think I've got it made

Cause I've got a roof over my head,
the woman I love laying in my bed
And it's alright, alright
I've got shoes under my feet
Forever in her eyes staring back at me
And it's alright, alright
And I've got all I need
And it's alright by me

It's alright by me, yeah yeah
When I lay down at night I thank the Lord above
For giving me everything I ever could dream of

Cause I've got a roof over my head,
the woman I love laying in my bed
And it's alright, alright, alright, alright
I've got shoes under my feet
Forever in her eyes staring back at me
And it's alright, alright, alright
And I've got all I need, yeah
I've got all I need
And it's alright by me
Oh yeah, it's alright by me

Tuesday Tunes

The other day I was driving up to second shoot a wedding (more about that later) and the radio just wasn't giving me what I wanted... So I dug through the CDs floating around in the console of my SUV and found a copy of Blaine Larsen's Off to Join the World album. I love just about every song, but one that always makes me smile when it comes on is this...

Teaching Me How to Love You by Blaine Larsen

Her name was Sarah Jean, it was a night like this
In front of the Dairy Queen, she gave me my first kiss
I was just ten years old, so I never knew
She was teaching me how to love you

After the high school dance, in my ol' man's car
Holdin' Carol Ann, I tried to go too far
When she said "no", I didn't have a clue
She was teaching me how to love you

Every hand we hold, every bridge we burn
Every story told was another lesson learned

A few years ago, I met Jill one night
Man I loved her so, but I didn't treat her right
When she left me there with my heart broke in two
She was teaching me how to love you

Every hand we hold, every bridge we burn
Every single story told is another lesson learned

So if I should glance in your rear-view mirror
At every failed romance that brought you here
Honey, I can't be hurt by what I see
They were teaching you how to love me
They were teaching you how to love me

Tuesday Tunes

I'm in a season of growing my faith. Growth ebbs and flows, as do most things in life. Right now I'm being challenged to do the things I know God's calling me to do. This song has been resonating with me a lot lately.

What Do I Know of Holy by Addison Road

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all, no
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

Tuesday Tunes

I didn't have a song stuck in my head today, nor did I have one saved up for a week, so getting in today's edition was tough. I'm sitting at home, chatting with a friend on facebook, watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and when he's teaching her to ride a motorcycle, out from my speakers came the delicious voice of Keith Urban. I didn't pick the song that was playing, but here's another sappy song for my sweet husband. He threw a killer birthday party for me this past weekend. Complete with some of friends with babies (in case it hasn't been mentioned here, I've been baby crazy since we got engaged over 5 years ago), a castle bouncer to jump in and SUMO suits. Cool huh? In his honor, here's one of my all time favorite Keith songs...

It's A Love Thing by Keith Urban

Yeah, yeah
Ooh it's a love thing
I been working all day long
And I'm ready to come on home to you
All the other guys roll their eyes
And don't realize it's what I want to do
It's what I want to do
They say I'm wrapped around your finger
But they don't understand
That what we got is more than just a diamond
On your hand

Baby it's a love thing, whoa
Baby it's a love thing, yeah

Sure I could hang around and complain about
The way things ought to be
Yeah there's trouble in the world
But you're the girl
Whose open arms are all I really need
And that's why I come runnin'
To be there by your side
So let 'em call me crazy
But it can't be denied

Baby it's a love thing, whoa
Baby it's a love thing, yeah

And it's not about the same last name
It's not a thing that can be explained
It's how you make me feel inside
And the way you hold me everynight

It's a love thing, whoa
Oh baby, it's a love thing, yeah

Here we go now
It's a love thing

They say I'm wrapped around your finger
But they don't understand
That what we got is more than just a diamond
On your hand
Baby it's a love thing, whoa
Oh baby it's a love thing, yeah
Come on it's a love thing, whoa
Oh baby, It's a love thing, yeah
Oh, it's a love thing, whoa
Oh sugar, it's a love thing
No it ain't about no diamond ring
It's a love thing, whoa
Oh baby it's a love thing, yeah
It's a love, it's a love, it's a love thing

Check out the video here!