Mar. 22nd, 2008

*sigh*

I went to the flea market with my mom, sis & bro, and came home, and my ... dad was pretty much drunk. he had 5 beers *sigh* -- he is an alcoholic -- and he didn't use to drink quite so much. they used to have some wine coolers, but mom doesn't drink those anymore (she doesn't drink at all), but my dad's has gotten worse. and he doesn't get mean when he drinks like he used too, as he says when he was in the Service, but he starts talking and it's kinda really incoherent and really weird.... he was talking to my sister about keeping a #8 in her wallet as it "supposedly" brings financial luck, and then he mentions that and numerology, which he should know better than that. the Bible makes it clear to avoid things like this.

the flea market was a bit boring, but it was better than coming home to a dad who got drunk while we were gone, and according to my sister, he did it 'cause he was bored.
God has revealed to me about my soulmate, and I can't wait to meet him. someone who like-minded like me, and wonderful to be around. to get away from some of this insanity and un-stability-ness at home. i'm ready to know what it feels like to love someone wholly and completely and to be loved like that in return.

on a better note, I picked up Susan Ashton's cd "Awakened by the Wind" -- I look forward to listening to it... awhile back ago, when I was feeling depressed and un-wanted, like I was a major screw-up, I played her music, and brought a lot of light. It made me feel a lot better, and I know God used her to help me right in that moment. Music has been a big help to me throughout my life, and many different songs speak to me in different ways. I can't fathom life without Music -- it's a blessing and one of the best gifts from God :)

What are some songs that have helped you through hard times? Here's a few of mine:

Susan Ashton's Greatest Hits Album ~ (I was feeling pretty low, and I listened to this in the first time for a long time, it I felt really good after it.)

"Praise You in The Storm" by Casting Crowns ~ This song played on the radio when my sister and I were out driving, and we had just lost our little Guinea, Sweetpea, and it hit us hard in a good way. We were crying, and we knew, this song was for us. To this day, I can't hear this song without crying.

"Hallelujah" by Krystal Meyers ~ This song makes me think of my Grandma, who wasn't at all perfect, but one of the most Christ-like women I've ever known. This song is beautiful, and it reminds me of her.

"Beauty of Grace" by Krystal Meyers ~ This song is so beautiful, it makes me get teary eyed, at how much Jesus loves us, that no matter how big we screw up, He's there waiting with open arms, wanting us to come to Him.

"Failure to Excommunicate" by Relient K ~ I love this song, because it tells how Jesus loves all people --- and the people who are shunned and mistreated by others, which I think we can all identify at some point with.

"Which Bury Us or The Hatchet" by Relient K ~ This song reminds me of my dad & Uncle Mark, 'cause their relationship isn't really that good, and it's an excellent rock song too :)

"On Fire" by Switchfoot ~ This song makes me think of being on fire for Jesus... it's a beautiful song, it's just like you close your eyes and it fills your soul, it's beautiful.

"Twenty-Four" by Switchfoot ~ just like above, this song fills your soul, and it's so beautiful and peaceful. I think the song is about being comforted by the Holy Spirit, and getting closer to God, and wanting to be close to him. It's one of favorites by them, for those reasons.

"That's Just The Way We Roll" ~ Jonas Brothers --- This song reminds me of my brother, sister, and I --- that no matter what people think of us, or what they say. we are who we are, and no matter what anyone says or does, we aren't changing.

"Beyond Justice to Mercy" by Susan Ashton -- I love this song, because it's a very unique song how sometimes reaching out with love, and doing so, can make all the difference in someone's life. I think that's something that's really important in today's world.

"Tears of the Saints" by Leeland -- I love this song because it talks about how we pray for lost ones to come to Christ, and the love and redemption they feel when the 'prodigal sons' do return. it's beautiful.

---
That's all of the ones I can think of right now, I may add more though later.

love & hugs,
Kelly ^_^
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Jan. 12th, 2008

I Want to Bring Hope

I found this article while looking for a magazine to submit one of my writings too. Britt Nicole is a wonderful person, and if you haven't heard some of her music, I highly rec'd you check out her debut CD "Say It" -- http://myspace.com/brittnicolemusic

~~~~

Here's an article with her from Insight magazine:

I Want to Bring Hope
Britt Nicole has burst into Christian music—and with true purpose.
by Steven Douglas Losey

Britt Nicole burst into Christian music last summer with her passionate and hope-filled debut album, Say It. Her first single, "You," spent more than four months in the Top 10 on Christian charts, and she was featured as one of iTunes' "Next Big Things."

I Want to Bring Hope

When writing the album, Britt didn't concentrate on creating hit songs. Instead, she says she wanted to write deep songs to reach others with the message of Christ. "My heart is for broken people," she says. "I want to bring hope and restoration. No matter your mistakes, your struggles or anything you're dealing with, the Lord is big enough and strong enough to bring you out of whatever you've been through."

Speaking from Experience:
When singing of God's power in times of pain, she speaks from experience. When Britt was 7 years old—the same year she accepted Christ—her parents divorced. The pain it caused would shape both her

life and eventually her music. While her dad was always there for her, not seeing him more than every other week changed their relationship and made her rely on Christ. It has also made her sympathetic toward those who come from broken homes. "I look at my situation as a good thing," she says. "God turned it that way. I get to speak all over the world about my hurt, my pain and my experience. And I pray that it brings hope into lives of the broken because they can see they aren't alone."

This passion for making a difference to the hurting defines Britt's music ministry. "When I wrote music

for my album, I asked the Lord to make me aware of specific issues my generation deals with and to allow me to understand them," she says. "I wanted him to show me those issues so I can be a voice of healing."

Britt's take on:
Her Parent's Divorce:
"I was very bitter toward love for a long time. I was angry with my parents, and I looked for love and acceptance in relationships. It made me realize I needed more than just family; I needed Jesus."

Serving:
"Jesus came to serve. If we are to be like him, then we must serve. I asked God to place me somewhere he could use me. I heard God speak to me about working in a nursing home.

I was like, "Are you sure, God?" But I worked at an assisted living home for seven months and it was one of the best experiences of my life."
— Andree Farias


Quick takes:
Full name? Brittany Nicole Waddell

Birthplace? Salisbury, North Carolina

Pet peeve? People being loud when I'm sleeping

Annoying habit? Smacking my gum

Last good book you read? Matters of the Heart by Juanita Bynum

Band/artist that comes closest to your sound? Gwen Stefani, Lilly Allen, Kelly Clarkson

Song you wish you'd written? "Worth it All" by Rita Springer

Favorite Bible verse? 1 Chronicles 28:20

Last lesson God taught you? To simply trust him, knowing he loves me and wants the best for me.

— Andree Farias for ChristianMusicToday.com

~~  http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2008/001/2.22.html

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