As In a Mirror

I missed Week 2. Ugh! Last week was such a rush, but today I can join the lot of others who are sharing something beautiful in accordance with my dear friend Renee’s Something Beautiful meme!

Here is an absolutely beautiful song, taken from multiple Psalms and other Scriptures, including Psalm 141, Psalm 119, Matthew 11, and Psalm 63.
Credit to Jay’s Musik Blog for the video!

Soon we will be able to share pictures of our progress in the kitchen! Y’all were probably expecting that for this week… so was I! But we haven’t yet been able to do all it takes to post them. But we will soon! Yesterday Dad and our faithful helpers assembled and installed some cabinets… so now it really looks like it’s getting somewhere! There still are multiple loopholes to take care of, and we are SOOOO ready for this to be done!!!! But just a little longer and we’ll be in our BRAND. NEW. KITCHEN!!!! Yay!

Filed under : Music, Something Beautiful

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I remember over a year ago, my sister casually told my brother (an avid Newsboys lover) and I that Peter Furler was stepping down as lead singer of the Newsboys and that Michael Tait was replacing him. I remember both of us asking her to repeat what she said, and proceeding to say, “That’s impossible. Tait can’t replace Peter; he’s American, for crying out loud!” We were absolutely convinced that she misread or misheard something. But she just gave us that look that said, “They’ll know soon enough.” This is what my brother thought.

I never cared for dcTalk, but I liked Michael Tait. If you had asked me why, I wouldn’t have known exactly, except that there’s a deep genuineness in Tait’s voice and his songs, rather than “show.” The “show” sound in an artist’s music or voices or lyrics really does “show.” I finally did figure out why, but you’ll have to find that out when you are done reading this post.

When we saw this on Jay’s blog… we still remained in disbelief. Okay, maybe Tait collaborated with the Newsboys or something, but there is no way anyone could take over for Peter. I think one of us even said, “I don’t believe it unless I hear it from Peter himself.” We did. I would recommend that any Newsboys fan please watch the video; it will clarify and set your heart at ease.

So when we heard from further updates on Jay’s Music Blog that a new album was coming out in summer of 2010, we kept our eyes and ears half open for updates on what the New Newsboys would turn out to be. My brother and I together listened to the Born Again EP and afterward evaluated it. I was won to the song “Born Again” right away, but altogether I didn’t feel ready to accept it as replacing the traditional Newsboys sound. The songs had a urban style, even hinting toward reggae; it sounded like the “dcBoys,” and we had LOVED the traditional disco sound with Peter’s unique voice and songwriting style.

Yet I thought about the great decision Peter had made; his decision to step down from the microphone was obviously well-sought-ought. He said himself it was not an emotional decision, it was not related to spiritual or moral breakdown, it was just a deep conviction that after 22 years it was time to step down. He sought God’s counsel first, then the counsel from his church, family, and friends. So I thought, “If this is Peter’s conviction between him and God that it is time, I am not one to complain. I will certainly miss him, and even if the new Newsboys doesn’t sound like the old, it will still be good, because God’s in this, and we will still have the old records.”

When we found out later that the Newsboys were offering a discounted price along with five free downloads for those who pre-ordered their Born Again album (again through Jay’s Music Blog), my brother decided he was game.

The CD actually didn’t arrive until almost two weeks after it’s release date, but I have a suspicion the postal service was at fault. We popped it in the player at long last. Hence my review:

Some have probably wondered if it was worth it for the band to offer five songs before the release of their album because it would have the same songs. Personally, here’s what I think: I do believe it was a wise and generous decision. First, people were unsure about the change in the band, so the Preview gave us an opportunity to check it out before going full-fledged (and without having to wait!). The lower price also seemed to be definitely fair enough. Also, one of the songs (I’ll Be) is included only on the Deluxe Digital Edition, so that too seemed fair enough for an old band getting a new start.

As I said, I loved the song “Born Again” right away, and I also loved the music video (me being not a big fan of music videos). It proclaimed a truth not recognized even by some Christians, that we do not “try” to be Christians, but Jesus makes the change inside of us, so that we live for Him with all we have. The lyrics proclaim, “This is who I am!” Amen!

One Shot, included on the EP, is another great upbeat, urban rock-style song. The message, I think, appeals to the younger generation but applies to all Christian: that we are to live realizing that we are the fragrance of Christ to those around us.

It was when I heard the third song, “Way Beyond Myself,” that I said to myself, “All right, now I am ready to accept this as the Newsboys.” DISCO!!!! And Tait’s voice totally carried the song away. I would post it here for you if I could, for real, because as a whole it is awesome–my favorite on the album. “There’s so much more than meets the eye/ Or what’s going on inside/ I believe in something way beyond myself/ Like the wind that moves the leaves/ Lord, you move me to my knees/ I’m giving in to something way beyond myself!”

When the Boys Light Up was a very creative song, especially lyric-wise. It seemed to be talking about the Newsboys themselves, and definitely on the second verse: “all the doubters I heard ‘em say/ Now the band’s gonna fade away/ But the boys are back for a second act/ No excuses/ We’re lightin’ fuses.” The chorus boldly states “When the boys light up, you know/ Who gets the praise, who owns the show/ When the boys light up, it’s on/ That we ain’t stopping til we’re done/ We ain’t nothing but the conduits/ He’s got the ball, He’ll flip the switch/ Leaving the dark behind/ Light up and let it shine!”

Other songs that got my attention were: the Mark Stuart song “Build Us Back,” a prayer coming from the brokenhearted. “Miracles,” a great and rocky song about the miracle of God’s transforming power. “Escape,” reminding us that we have the victory over the devil’s tricks–God always provides a way of escape. “Running to You” is another prayer coming from a broken heart; a confession that God is our strength. The remake of “Mighty to Save” seemed appropriate for the Newsboys– on the last project with Peter, they remade the new worship song, “Lead Me to the Cross.” Both songs are masterpieces!

The final track on the album was… “Jesus Freak.” This also seemed fitting for the album, documenting Tait’s addition to the band. KJ-52 (yes, I still read that as “King James the fifty-second) did the rap lines. Let me say I have never liked rap, and I still don’t. Though I personally didn’t care for this track, I realize it was an appropriate song for the New Newsboys album, and there are probably Tait fans who liked it.

This was certainly an awesome album, one that surpassed my expectations, actually getting me to pleasurably accept the change. The addition of Tait definitely added a change in the sound, but the great Newsboys musical style (gotta love those drums!) has surely been retained. I also have to say that I noticed after listening to it, that Peter’s unique but charming song-writing is very similar to Tait’s; I never noticed until this album! Basic conclusion: the Newsboys sound has changed with Born Again, but not entirely; it sounds not only good, but it still sounds like the Newsboys! I would definitely recommend the album Born Again; its message of God’s work within us is not just relevant, it is unfortunately missing in most Christian music.

I would also like to say one last THANK YOU!!!! to Jay, host of Jay’s Musik Blog for providing us with very helpful updates that ultimately led to this review. We will continue our support of his work.

I would like to add what my Mom said after she heard just a couple songs: “I never really paid attention to Michael Tait’s voice before; I got him confused with TobyMac; but now listening to it, I can hear the love of God, the Holy Spirit, moving in Michael’s voice! It’s really cool!” Great closing statement!

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Jay requested this song from Hillsong United’s own Brooke Fraser; it is a beautiful song; so deep and strong– it’s just HUGE! So here it is, Jay, for your listening enjoyment!

“Hosanna” is a cry of adoration, which literally means “Oh, save!” It is what the people cried when Jesus the Messiah came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. He, whose name is exalted in heaven and earth, came lowly to mankind. What a wonder! How He loves us, how He’s blessed us, not based on anything good or noble we have done.

People sometimes talk about this thing called luck. I think it’s like when something good happens to you or for you. I’ve got this joke now that I have “Charlie Brown luck.” For real; why is it that for a few select people, whenever they set their hands to something, everything goes wrong (or so it seems?) They are the ones who ask, “Who really wins contests?” They are most often the ones with big responsibilities. When they work very, very hard, they do well, but nothing tremendous falls into their laps. They are the ones always running like a chicken with it’s head cut off, because with every little thing they set their hands to do, fifty other things show up that stand in the way. They don’t show up all at once; they build up over the next couple of hours. They come across to other people as the type who “lose it” frequently. They talk quickly, bluntly, in jumbled words and sentences. They can look up solutions to their everyday problems all they want to, but of course, it doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. They come across as goofy, because they cheer themselves with a unique outlook on life and situations. Nobody looks at them and says, “My, what a talented individual.” They aren’t usually popular, except for being known as the “odd-ball.” Yet strangely, people look to them for answers to the most puzzling enigmas. Probably because they’ve been through it already. They laugh more than others and cry more, too. To them, it’s just a matter of making the best out of being very different than other people. But every once in while, they fray at the edges and look up and say, “Why? Why special and unique? Why every day? Why am I always bearing so many burdens alone?”

You’ve probably guessed; I am one of those people. I know I have it better than Charlie Brown because I know the One who saves; I know my soul is saved, and I will live forever even though nothing good I ever did in the past earned it for me. But I still look up and ask why. Why do the craziest things always happen to me, and I also happen to be one with big responsibilities, and thus get blamed for a lot? (Some of you know that I say more than anything “I’m sorry.” Now you know why.) And every so often, when you bear many burdens alone, you become totally drained, usually in such a way so that EVERYBODY knows because everything stops running when you stop running it. And they think, “What’s his problem?” If only they knew. People talk about “stress.” If only they knew what “luck” was. Now I know that to a degree, this happens to everybody. But some of us are special, you see. See, I have seen other people do the same things I do, but somehow, for me things go totally haywire, and even others look at it and say, “Whoa.” (You’re most likely wondering why I’m going on about this. Keep reading; it’s a building effect.)

So yes, this is one of those “down points.” Because the human body can only do so much for so long. But that doesn’t mean the fun stops! No, you may not slow down a little bit, because there is just so much more MORE MORE! Today I asked again, “Oh, God, why? Why does all this happen? Can it please just slow down a little bit for just a little while? Every time I set my hands to do something, a hundred other things start calling while a hundred other things go wrong! I only see one other person in this whole world who this happens to (she’s my mother; I wonder if it’s genetic?) but it doesn’t help the situation stop!” I told Him why I was in such a desperate state, so worn-down and frazzled. So I told him about my Charlie Brown luck. His response:

“You are blessed.”

“Whoa,” I said. I guess I could have asked Him to explain, but I know that things are as He says they whether or not they appear to be so to me. And I could immediately think of several ways in which I am more fortunate (haha) than a lot of people. I personally don’t feel like I’m persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Not by people, anyway. I feel like I’m looked at as crazy; I feel like people don’t understand my situation and why I “break down” so often. But God says I am blessed!

Here is who the Scripture says over and over are blessed:

Blessed is the one who trusts in Him.
Blessed in the one whose sins are forgiven. (Amen!)
Blessed is the one whom the Lord chastens.
Blessed is the one who fears the Lord.
Blessed is the one who keeps His commandments.
Blessed is the one who gives.
Blessed is the one who watches for His Lord.
Blessed is the one who believes.
Blessed is the one who endures.

Here’s who our Savior says is blessed:

“ Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:3-12)

That’s not who the world says is better off; that’s not who the world exalts; that’s not the ones who feel blessed. But it is who the Lord says is blessed. And for us who have been the Charlie Browns all our lives, it is a great step of faith to say, “Yes, Lord; I believe I am blessed.”

But I choose to believe in the One who saves; I believe that He is mighty to save; I believe that He stretches forth His hand to heal. And I believe I am blessed, just because He said I am.

That is a confession that comes out not with a feeling of happiness, but of pain– yet with conviction. It is not easy to choose when you are hanging by a thread. But God is the one who is faithful. That’s all that matters.

“Hosanna” is a pretty song; but it is a true song, one we can confess even when we have our downs. Here’s another live edition to close with!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (Ephesians 1:3)

Filed under : Discipleship, Music, Querky

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I am TOTALLY hooked on this song. Written by Brooke Fraser, a writer of modern hymns, it’s called “Soon.”

“Soon and very soon
My King is coming
Robed in righteousness
And crowned with love
When I see Him I
Shall be made like Him
Soon and very soon

I will be with the One I love
With unveiled face I’ll see Him
There my soul will be satisfied
Soon and very soon.”

Please do listen!

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