I don't have much to say about this song, except that I love using this phrase, "Wishing you a Christmas to believe in!"
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope your Christmas was a Christmas to believe in! See you in 2015!
Here are the lyrics to this beautiful and heartfelt song by my favorite Christian artist, Matthew West.
"A Christmas to Believe In" by Matthew West
It's a house full of noise ‘cause the family's all in town
It's an attic full of toys so the kids won't find out
The smell of cookies in the oven, it's a slow dance in the kitchen
Oh, ain't it somethin', it's a Christmas to believe in
It's in the snow making angels, it's a mistletoe kiss
It's an empty seat at the table to remember who we miss
It's a candle light carol, it's a grateful choir singin'
Oh Hark! The Herald, it's a Christmas to believe in
More than just a Merry Christmas
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
Where the moments turn to memories
And years from now you'll close your eyes and see them
More than just another busy season
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
It's a blanket by the fire watching all our favorite movies
“It's A Wonderful Life” in black and white just like it should be
It's Salvation Army bells, hear them ringing to remind us
There's a world that needs our help, may compassion come and find us
More than just a Merry Christmas
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
Where the moments turn to memories
And years from now you'll close your eyes and see them
More than just another busy season
I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in
Hallelujah, we believe in Christmas
It's grandpa's Bible opened up to Luke Chapter 2
It's the greatest gift of love being born for me and you
It's a heart returning home to the One who is the reason
Every Christmas is a Christmas to believe in
May your Christmas be a Christmas to believe in
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
"At The Cross (Love Ran Red)"
"Love Ran Red"
When I first saw these words, I din't understand their meaning. All I knew is that it was the title to Chris Tomlin's newest CD. Also, the only two songs that I knew form the album were "Waterfall" and "Jesus Loves Me", (it's actually something else. It's not the one that you would hear in Sunday School.) so the title didn't make sense to me at all. Anyway, I remember asking myself, "What do these three words, 'love ran red' mean? Well, today, 11-5-14, I got my answer. In chapel today. we sang a song that had these words in it,. The words were "where your love ran red and my sin washed white. I owe all to you. I owe all to you. Jesus" As I was looking at those words, Chris Tomlin's album came into my mind. That's when I got the meaning. Red is the color of blood, and it spilled out of Jesus Christ as he hung on a cross. God loved us so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to die on a cross and shed his blood for us. His love for us ran in the form of red, washing our sins white as snow. Now, I don't know about you, but that's love!
When I first saw these words, I din't understand their meaning. All I knew is that it was the title to Chris Tomlin's newest CD. Also, the only two songs that I knew form the album were "Waterfall" and "Jesus Loves Me", (it's actually something else. It's not the one that you would hear in Sunday School.) so the title didn't make sense to me at all. Anyway, I remember asking myself, "What do these three words, 'love ran red' mean? Well, today, 11-5-14, I got my answer. In chapel today. we sang a song that had these words in it,. The words were "where your love ran red and my sin washed white. I owe all to you. I owe all to you. Jesus" As I was looking at those words, Chris Tomlin's album came into my mind. That's when I got the meaning. Red is the color of blood, and it spilled out of Jesus Christ as he hung on a cross. God loved us so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to die on a cross and shed his blood for us. His love for us ran in the form of red, washing our sins white as snow. Now, I don't know about you, but that's love!
Maybe you are reading this and you're saying to yourself, "How can my sins be washed white?" Well, I have the answer for you. All you have to do is ask. First, you admit you are a sinner, then you believe in your heart that Jesus dies on the cross for your sins. Finally, you choose to have a relationship with him. It's that simple. Just pray this simple prayer,
Dear God, please forgive me. I know I'm a sinner. I believe Jesus died and rose from the dead so I could be forgiven of my sins and live forever in heaven. Thank you for loving me and allowing me to have a personal relationship with you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."
If you prayed that prayer for the first time, congratulations! you are now a believer in Christ. I believe that you have been born again. I encourage you to tell a friend about the new relationship that you have.
Read the rest of the lyrics of this amazing song by Chris Tomlin and be an awe of what Jesus di for you.
"At The Cross (Love Ran Red) by Chris Tomlin
There's a place where mercy reigns and never dies,
There's a place where streams of grace flow deep and wide.
Where all the love I've ever found,
Comes like a flood,
Comes flowing down.
Chorus:
At the cross
At the cross
I surrender my life.
I'm in awe of You
I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
and my sin washed white.
I owe all to You
I owe all to You Jesus.
There's a place where sin and shame are powerless.
Where my heart has peace with God and forgiveness.
Where all the love I've ever found.
Comes like a flood,
Comes flowing down.
Chorus:
At the cross
I surrender my life.
I'm in awe of You
I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
and my sin washed white.
I owe all to You
I owe all to You Jesus.
Here my hope is found
Here on holy ground
Here I bow down
Here arms open wide
Here You save my life
Here I bow down
Here I bow down
Chorus:
At the cross
I surrender my life.
I'm in awe of You
I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
and my sin washed white.
I owe all to You
I owe all to You Jesus.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Diary of a Runner
October 29. 2012: Joined Team World Vision
October 29, 2013: released an album of 9 songs that showcased my passion for worship
October 29, 2014: preparing to run my 4th 5k.
Here's the story of how I went from hating running in 3rd grade to now wanting to run a half-marathon by the time I graduate college.
I was so excited to sign up for the team. I would like to thank my physics teacher, my running partner from the Hub Run, and TWV themselves for inspiring me to run. Most importantly, I would like to thank God, for giving me the ability to run. I couldn’t have done any of these races without Him!
October 29, 2013: released an album of 9 songs that showcased my passion for worship
October 29, 2014: preparing to run my 4th 5k.
Here's the story of how I went from hating running in 3rd grade to now wanting to run a half-marathon by the time I graduate college.
My first
run that I can remember was back in third grade gym class. It was a mile run
called the turkey trot. Not knowing much about running, I just took off. The
goal was to run one mile, or 24 laps around the gym. Unfortunately, I wasn’t
able to complete all 24 laps. We only had a certain time to run it. During 4th-8th
grade, I had to run a mile as part of the presidential physical fitness test.
Each year, I always told myself that I wanted to do better. I remember even
re-running it on the make-up day. There was one year in Jr. High that I
couldn’t do the make-up run because I had a bad cough that prevented me from
running. During those years of running, I could never remember all of my times.
The last mile that I remembered was 10 minutes even. I believe that was in 7th
grade. At one point during Jr. High, I considered joining the track team. That
failed because of too much homework and my mom saying that I couldn’t do it
since I was in band.
Fast
forward to freshman year of high school, I didn’t have to run a mile, but I had
to run laps for a certain period of time. I tried to pace myself, but it was
difficult to do it. Since having to run a mile back in elementary and Jr. High
school I developed a small hatred for
running, but yet I loved to race my sister on the beach. My sophomore year of
high school, I still had to run laps, but this time, I changed my attitude. I
wanted to learn about what it meant to be a better runner. I also began to pace
myself better.
When I
transferred to a new high school, the idea of running was dropped. I wasn’t
required to take gym, so there was no opportunity for me to run. It’s now October
and the day after the 2012 Chicago marathon. My physics teacher ran the
marathon while injured. He wasn’t able to get his goal, but he was able to
finish, which made me happy. Anyway, on the day of the marathon, I was actually
coming home from a retreat. I had decided to wear an orange short in support of
the team that he was running for, which was Team World Vision. Later that day,
I posted on Team World Vision’s facebook page saying congrats and that I wish I
could join the team because I wasn’t a good runner. Well, about two weeks
later, that changed. On October 29, 2012, I signed up to join Team World
Vision. My first run would be a 5K called the Hub Run.
Throughout
my junior year, I began my training. I would run through the hallways of my high
school as well as run laps around my yard. Eventually, I had to stop for two reasons.
One, my high school was getting too crowded and two, it was starting to get
cold out and I hated running in the cold. Finally, March rolled around and I
was now on a training plan. The only downside was that I was using a treadmill.
On the longer runs, I would run and watch a movie. On the shorter runs, I would
listen to music. Sadly, at the end of April, I gave up on the plan because I
fell behind. I then decided to just run on my own. I had one goal in mind, run
the 5k in under an hour. I was going to do it, no matter what.
On May 5,
2013, the day arrived. However I had two problems. One, I had to work the night
before, which caused me not to get to bed early. Also, I woke up with my knee in
pain because of reason number one. I was nervous. I even emailed my teacher and
said “Pray for me today, I’m in pain with my knee.” I decided to wear my new
Team World Vision jersey to church that morning. Finally, it was race time. My
phone was ready to go with all of music. My partner was there too. We both
stood at the front of the line, waiting for the start. At last, we were off,
I ran the
first mile without stopping. The rest of the race was a run/walk. I then
finally crossed the line with both my hands raided to “Until The Whole World
Hears” by Casting Crowns. I did it! I had ran my first 5K. My time, which I
checked at home, was 37 minutes and 14 seconds. I was happy that I got my goal!
It’s now June
and I’ve graduated high school. My next goal was to run the Crown Point
Crusader Classic, which was another 5k, in September. Unfortunately, I was not
able to run it. I then decided to take a break. Moving on to May of 2014, I
decided to start running again since I was planning to run a 5K in college. My
first run was a nine minute run to “Assemble” from “The Avengers” and “Lemurian
Star” from “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”. The goal was to run without
stopping for water. Well, I got my goal, but I was VERY worn out. Plus, I had
to work later that night. Make a long story short, I came home work early
because I felt like I was ready to fall over when I bent down to do something.
Throughout
the summer, I would do these small nine minute jogs. My record for running
without stopping that I officially timed was 7:44. I eventually broke that
record. Today, it is 15 minutes. Ok, I’m now in college, my second 5k is on
September 6. The goal was to run it under 30 minutes. Well, I did just that. I
ran it in 29:50. Eight days later, I announced my third 5k. This would also be
my second one this month. I was super happy to male this announcement. My
passion for running was back.
Starting
on September 16, I worked through a seven day training regiment of running and
cross-training. Cross training included swimming and biking. The plan concluded
on September 23 with a 1.67 mile run and a 1.56 mile bike ride. I then took a
three day break. Saturday came and I was ready. I ran almost the entire 5k,
only walking twice. I finished the last part of the race at a hard and fast
run, hands in the air to “Until the Whole world Hears”. My time was 29:10. I
did it again. I beat my goal of running a 5K in under 30 minutes.
After my
third 5k, I decided to take a well-deserved break. I was supposed to resume on
October 14, but ended up not because of homework and poor weather conditions (cold
temperatures). However, I do have an alternative, bike riding. My longest ride
so far is 8 miles in 1 hour. As I am writing this, I am preparing for my 4th
5k. This one will be interesting because I haven't done much running since my
last one. I hope to run it in a decent time. My long-term goal is to run/walk a
half-marathon by time I graduate college in 2018. I am also approaching my 2-year
anniversary of being a member of Team World Vision. So far, 6 people have water
for life. $50 provides water for one person. When I ran the hub run, I raise
$200. On my one-year anniversary, I released an album of 9 of my favorite
worship songs. The album was all about worship and water. I wanted to showcase
my passion for worship. Also, any donations that I received would go toward
World Vision. I raised $87 and then contributed the remainder to make it $100.
As of today, Team World Vision has a copy of my album as well a a picture
collage so they can see what I look like.
I was so excited to sign up for the team. I would like to thank my physics teacher, my running partner from the Hub Run, and TWV themselves for inspiring me to run. Most importantly, I would like to thank God, for giving me the ability to run. I couldn’t have done any of these races without Him!
The picture below is of me outside my dorm room after completing a 15-minute run in the cold.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
"Forever Changed"
Hey, readers. Other than writting my thoughts on songs, I also write stories on FanFiction. Most of them are crossovers with The Avengers and Star Wars. Anyway, my most recent story is titled "Forever Changed."
Here is the link to "Forever Changed". Also, if you have social media, please share this with your friends. Let's see if we can start something awesome!!!!
The description is as follows: One is killed, one is taken captive, one is severlely wounded, and with the help of a special guest, one will make a life-changing decision that will change their way of life forever.
Here is the link to "Forever Changed". Also, if you have social media, please share this with your friends. Let's see if we can start something awesome!!!!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
"Waterfall"
Chris Tomlin's new song, "Waterfall" is my most current Christian theme song. I love the metaphor that he chooses to describe God's love. God's love rains down on me, just like a waterfall. His love is amazing. I couldn't ask for anything better than his love that never fails me. Read the lyrics and be reminded of God's unchanging love. Also, check out the video of me singing this amazing song.
"Waterfall" by Chris Tomlin
Oh God, my God I seek You
I wanna move when You move
You're more than I could long for
I thirst for You
You're an ocean to my soul
To my soul
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Running wild and free
You hear my heart when I call, when I call
Deep calls, too deep
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Raining down on me
Waterfall, waterfall
Oh God, my God I seek You
In this dry and desert land
You lead me to streams of mercy
Once again
You're an ocean to my soul
To my soul
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Running wild and free
You hear my heart when I call, when I call
Deep calls, too deep
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Raining down on me
Waterfall, waterfall
It's coming like a flood
I'm dancing in the rain
Everything I've done
Is covered in rivers of grace, amazing
It's coming like a flood
I'm dancing in the rain
I lift up my hands
Your love never changes, amazing
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Running wild and free
You hear my heart when I call, when I call
Deep calls, too deep
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Raining down on me
Waterfall, waterfall
"Waterfall" by Chris Tomlin
Oh God, my God I seek You
I wanna move when You move
You're more than I could long for
I thirst for You
You're an ocean to my soul
To my soul
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Running wild and free
You hear my heart when I call, when I call
Deep calls, too deep
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Raining down on me
Waterfall, waterfall
Oh God, my God I seek You
In this dry and desert land
You lead me to streams of mercy
Once again
You're an ocean to my soul
To my soul
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Running wild and free
You hear my heart when I call, when I call
Deep calls, too deep
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Raining down on me
Waterfall, waterfall
It's coming like a flood
I'm dancing in the rain
Everything I've done
Is covered in rivers of grace, amazing
It's coming like a flood
I'm dancing in the rain
I lift up my hands
Your love never changes, amazing
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Running wild and free
You hear my heart when I call, when I call
Deep calls, too deep
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall
Raining down on me
Waterfall, waterfall
Thursday, May 22, 2014
"All You've Ever Wanted"
Like most Casting Crowns songs, this song I fell in love with after one listen to. However, I didn't let it sink in until after March 2, 2014. On this particular day, I held a small concert at my old youth group called "Amy Foto; Made to Worship" This was also the title to my second album that was released on October 29, 2013. One of the 4 songs that I had performed that night was "All You've Ever Wanted" by Casting Crowns. I can't remember when it started playing on Shine.FM, but I do know that whenever I hear it, I love to turn up my radio (or ipod) and sing it with all of my heart,
Around Valentine's Day 2014, I remember seeing a picture on facebook of a little boy holding a heart to God and saying "It ain't much, but it's all I got." God says to him, "It's all I've ever wanted." I just love that. God doesn't expect anything from me. He just wants my heart. Words cannot describe how I feel about that phrase. It's just amazing to hear.
My final favorite section in the song is the bridge. He says, "No more chains I've been set free. No more fighting battles you've won for me. Now in Christ I stand complete!" This whole section is amazing. The fact that God has broken my chains and set me free is amazing. I love it. This song is my current theme song. I love so sing it with full passion and raise my hands to praise God.
Read the lyrics and be amazed. Also, look up the song on youtube and sing it yourself with full passion like me.
"All You've Ever Wanted" by Casing Crowns
I just looked up today
And realized how far away I am from where You are
You gave me life worth dying for
But between the altar and the door
I bought the lies that promised more
And here I go again
Lord, I know I let You down
But somehow, I will make You proud
I'll turn this sinking ship around
And make it back to You
But all my deeds and my good name
Are just dirty rags that tear and strain
To cover all my guilty stains
That You already washed away
(‘Cause) All You've ever wanted, all You've ever wanted
All You've ever wanted was my heart
Freedom's arms are open, my chains have all been broken
Relentless love has called me from the start
And all You wanted was my heart
I was chasing healing when I'd been made well
I was fighting battles when You conquered hell
Living free but from a prison cell
Lord, I lay it down today
So I'll stop living off of how I feel
And start standing on Your truth revealed
Jesus is my strength, my shield
And He will never fail me
(‘Cause) All You've ever wanted, all You've ever wanted
All You've ever wanted was my heart
Freedom's arms are open, my chains have all been broken
Relentless love has called me from the start
And all You wanted was my heart
No more chains, I've been set free
No more fighting battles You've won for me
Now in Christ, I stand complete
All You've ever wanted
All You've ever wanted
All You've ever wanted was my heard
Freedom's arms are open, my chains have all been broken
Relentless love has called me from the start
And all You wanted my heart.
Around Valentine's Day 2014, I remember seeing a picture on facebook of a little boy holding a heart to God and saying "It ain't much, but it's all I got." God says to him, "It's all I've ever wanted." I just love that. God doesn't expect anything from me. He just wants my heart. Words cannot describe how I feel about that phrase. It's just amazing to hear.
Another part of the song I love is when he says, "Jesus is my strength, my shield, and He will never fail me!' Like the other line, I love this one too. I love to sing this line with full passion and my hand in the air praising God.
My final favorite section in the song is the bridge. He says, "No more chains I've been set free. No more fighting battles you've won for me. Now in Christ I stand complete!" This whole section is amazing. The fact that God has broken my chains and set me free is amazing. I love it. This song is my current theme song. I love so sing it with full passion and raise my hands to praise God.
Read the lyrics and be amazed. Also, look up the song on youtube and sing it yourself with full passion like me.
"All You've Ever Wanted" by Casing Crowns
I just looked up today
And realized how far away I am from where You are
You gave me life worth dying for
But between the altar and the door
I bought the lies that promised more
And here I go again
Lord, I know I let You down
But somehow, I will make You proud
I'll turn this sinking ship around
And make it back to You
But all my deeds and my good name
Are just dirty rags that tear and strain
To cover all my guilty stains
That You already washed away
(‘Cause) All You've ever wanted, all You've ever wanted
All You've ever wanted was my heart
Freedom's arms are open, my chains have all been broken
Relentless love has called me from the start
And all You wanted was my heart
I was chasing healing when I'd been made well
I was fighting battles when You conquered hell
Living free but from a prison cell
Lord, I lay it down today
So I'll stop living off of how I feel
And start standing on Your truth revealed
Jesus is my strength, my shield
And He will never fail me
(‘Cause) All You've ever wanted, all You've ever wanted
All You've ever wanted was my heart
Freedom's arms are open, my chains have all been broken
Relentless love has called me from the start
And all You wanted was my heart
No more chains, I've been set free
No more fighting battles You've won for me
Now in Christ, I stand complete
All You've ever wanted
All You've ever wanted
All You've ever wanted was my heard
Freedom's arms are open, my chains have all been broken
Relentless love has called me from the start
And all You wanted my heart.
Monday, February 3, 2014
"The Real Me"
I remember turning 11 when I got Natalie Grant's CD titled Awaken. the only song I knew on the entire album was "Held" Today, at 19 years of age, I now know almost all of the songs. One song that stands out to me is titled "The Real Me." This song talks about a girl who sees herself as "living a charade, always on parade," putting on fake smile to hide what's on the inside. Only God sees the real her, wonderful and beautiful. He turns " the tattered fabric of her life into a perfect tapestry."
On Sunday February 2, 2013, my friend at church, and my newest "Miss Lovewell," Jill Ramirez sang this song as a solo at the end of the service and she did an AMAZING JOB. I could tell that she sang it from the heart. We are in a series at church called "Beyond the Game" which is all about getting "beyond the games" in our relationship, not only with others, but with Jesus Christ. This weekend, we talked about being authentic, removing our mask. This song just fit perfectly with the message and how God sees the real us.
Read the lyrics and be reminded that God sees the real us. Also, the reason Jill is now my "Miss Lovewell" is because she comforted me when I was upset about not being able to sing this weekend because of work. She showed me a small act of kindness that meant a lot to me.
"The Real Me" by Natalie Grant
Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?
[Chorus:]
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow
[Chorus:]
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me
[Chorus:]
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
And you love me just as I am
Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
On Sunday February 2, 2013, my friend at church, and my newest "Miss Lovewell," Jill Ramirez sang this song as a solo at the end of the service and she did an AMAZING JOB. I could tell that she sang it from the heart. We are in a series at church called "Beyond the Game" which is all about getting "beyond the games" in our relationship, not only with others, but with Jesus Christ. This weekend, we talked about being authentic, removing our mask. This song just fit perfectly with the message and how God sees the real us.
Read the lyrics and be reminded that God sees the real us. Also, the reason Jill is now my "Miss Lovewell" is because she comforted me when I was upset about not being able to sing this weekend because of work. She showed me a small act of kindness that meant a lot to me.
"The Real Me" by Natalie Grant
Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?
[Chorus:]
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow
[Chorus:]
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me
[Chorus:]
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
And you love me just as I am
Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
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