My favorite songs from 2013

MY FAVORITE SONGS OF 2013

1. Rest Easy- Andrew Peterson
2. I'm on Your Side- Andrew Osenga
3. Blur- Anchor & Braille
4. I Am For You- Waking Ashland
5. Moving Upstairs- Danny Seim
6. Spark (Bitter)- Until June
7. New Constellation- Toad the Wet Sprocket
8. If This River Runs Dry- Caleb
9. Waiting For My Time to Come- Colony House
10. 1973- James Blunt
11. Brightest- Copeland
12. Atlas- Coldplay
13. Ungodly Hour- The Fray
14. Live and Let Die- Paul McCartney
15. Shadow Days- John Mayer
16. Haunted- Leagues
17. Do You What You Love- Machines Are People Too
18. Dismantle. Repair.- Anberlin
19. She Must And Shall Go Free- Derek Webb
20. My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark- Fall Out Boy
21. Never Grow Old- The Digital Age
22. God Badge- Fiction Family
23. The Cure for the Pain- Jon Foreman
24. The A Team- Ed Sheeran
25. Sky High- The Ben Folds Five
26. Table for Two- Caedmon's Call
27. A Last Time for Everything- Ben Shive
28. Skinnny Jeans- Andy Gullahorn
29. Judy and the Dream of Horses- Belle and Sebastian
30. Isaac- Bear's Den
31. Below My Feet- Mumford and Sons
32. Sweet and Low- Augustana
33. Falling Out of Trees- Barcelona
34.Brothers On a Hotel Bed- Death Cab for Cutie
35. Chrome- Eric Peters
36. Rangers- A Fine Frenzy
37. The Riddle- Five for Fighting
38. Hoppipolla- Sigur Ros
39. Nightmares- Katrina Barclay
40. Walking Song- Ron Block
41.Don't Blink- Relient K
42. Out of My Head- Max and the Moon
43. Make a New Dance Up- Hey Ocean!
44. Change of Time- Josh Ritter
45. Open Wide- Future of Forestry
46. To the Ends of the Earth- Lord Huron
47. Danny's Song- The Swon Brothers
48. 1904- The Tallest Man on Earth
49. A Way to See in the Dark- Jason Gray
50. Glorious Ruins- Hillsong Live

Selah: "To ponder and hang upon"

How many times when reading through the Psalms have you come across the word "Selah" and had no idea why it was there or what it even meant? All we can really find is that it is a musical term dividing up sections and even linking them together. However, I think that there is much more to be found in the word then we actually know. Selah is from the Hebrew word calah which means 'to hang,' It can also be translated to mean "stop and listen." This takes on a whole new powerful concept for the believer. So many times when we read the Psalms we read straight through only to briefly contemplate its meaning at the end of the passage. King David and the other writers of the Psalms, however, inserted this word "selah" on purpose so that throughout the psalm we might "stop and listen" to what the Spirit is trying to instill in us. Psalm 46:10a says, "Be still and know that I am God." This word, this instruction is simply put into the scriptures so that we may, as the psalm says, "Be still." Our world is all about the instant, but here in the psalms we learn that quiet contemplation and devotion is crucial to our growth in Christ Jesus. I have learned recently about a type of prayer called the "Nature Prayer." Simply put, it teaches for us to pray and give thanks for the Earth God has provided. We must find a quiet place to pray and mediate on His beauty and His creation. Selah is teaching the same principle. I pray, for myself and for anyone who reads this, that we find time in our hurried devotions to practice this principle and to hang upon the words of the Holy Scriptures. 

“We live, in fact, in a world starved
for solitude, silence, and private:
and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship.”
C.S. Lewis "The Weight of Glory"

9 Chattanooga Based Artists That You Should Be Listening To Right Now.

Being a native of Chattanooga, I heard some cool, eclectic, local bands growing up. I moved to Rome, Ga in 2007 and have been living there since. So when I came back to visit the Scenic City this week I discovered ( and rediscovered) some great music that I had either forgot about or had been missing out on. Believe me when I say that you should give each one of these artist a fair listen.

1. Katrina Barclay- Song- "Nightmares"
Katrina Barclay has been a dear friend of mine since our years at Shorter University in Rome, Ga, A Lookout Mtn native, Katrina is one of the finest singer/songwriters you will ever come across. Period. She has some amazing homemade crafted songs that will take you from the heart of Seattle to the heart of Jesus. She does not mince words when conveying her message and her music reflects her creativity. Her recently released EP "Nightmares" is her most personal work to date. In other words, BUY THIS RECORD. It will not disappoint, especially on a chilly night at your local coffee shop.
http://noisetrade.com/katrinabarclay

2. The Turning - Song- "Out of My Hands"
The Turning are a Christian rock group that released their one and only record "Learning to Lose" in 2006. This is one of those bands that you wish would come out with more material. Their potential seemed high as they released a Top 40 hit in "Out of My Hands." For some reason or another, though, this is the only record we get from a band that seemed like they could be going places in a hurry. Despite this you would still be remiss if you did not at least give the songs from this record a fair shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVhEzvBoca0

3. Concerning Lions- Song- "Canon"
The indie scene in Chattanooga is a little more alight than one would think. Concerning Lions busted out into the Chattanooga scene in 2009 with their debut EP "A Movement Back And Forth" and with it their first single, "Canon." This band is most reminiscent of bands like Copeland and Barcelona. Their smooth, chill tones are sure to satisfy the indie alt rocker in anyone. Their soaring melodies and strong vocals will leave you wanting more from this indie rock group. The future is bright for these guys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-hYpku_qZQ

4. Noah Collins- Song- "Somewhere New"
I have been a huge fan of this guy for a long time now. If you are looking for Chattanooga to provide a folk hero, this is him. Noah released "Heart On a Line" in 2009 and, in my humble opinion, hasn't looked back since. His familiar vocals and acoustic driven melodies are such to make your heart feel nostalgic. He has been a featured artist at Eddy's Attic in Decatur, Ga and still plays around the Chattanooga area a good bit. His song "Long Distance Call" is sure to make any Chattanoogan feel instantly nostalgic. His deep roots will pull you in and keep you coming back for more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OqmGDgxr1g&feature=c4-overview&list=UUZ0LrtqmgqvioFJuiPG6Gow

5. Eric Pendergrass- Song- "Wayward Ways"
I knew Eric pretty well in High School and from that time I could tell you that this guy was going to make some noise in the music world. His first steps toward that come with his debut record "Ghosts." He searches for God and love in this record that weaves the story of a man who is simply broken and haunted by the Ghosts of his past. This album will quickly resonate with anyone who has struggled to shrug off the burdens of loneliness and regret. Although he lives in North Carolina now, he will always have roots in Chattanooga. His album "Ghosts" is available on i tunes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqrtAJtzj9M

6. Telemonster- Song- "Moon Boots"
Comparable to groups like The Shins and Leagues, this band is indie to the core. From the moment you listen to them you hear catchy melodies that will play around in your head all day long. Strong vocals and eclectic instrumentations will make Telemonster a band that will keep you coming back on a regular basis. They just sound like the sun as it sets over the Walnut St Bridge and reflects off the Tennessee River. Check these guys out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SCa8fiMgas

7. Raenbow Station-Song- "City Lights"
These guys fit perfectly in the same mold with Telemonster. These two groups are definitely the future of music in Chattanooga. More driving melodies and heart felt lyrics will make you want to blare their music as you driving around Lookout Mountain or even as your drive down Broad St heading for the North Shore. There's not much else to say, but check them out soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anIj0unFu08

8. Moonlight Bride- Song- "Wild Heart"
As you listen, I think you start to hear a pattern of musical influence and similarity. This group can identify themselves with the likes of The Shins. Perfect for a lazy winter day, this band will keep you on the cool side of nostalgia. The will slowly make you reflective. That's the charm and power of their music. Approach with caution, but enjoy nonetheless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uI0QGBU8t-4

9. Nevertheless- Song- "In or Out"
This is the most well known of all the Chattanooga group. Nevertheless burst onto the scene in 2006 with their first major release via Flicker Records called "Live Like We're Alive." This record boasts their one and only music video single, "The Real." They have cracked the Christian charts twice with "The Real" and their second single from their second album "In the Making..." called "Sleeping In." They decided to call it quits in 2009 and left their fans with an acoustic driven EP entitled "When I'm With You." The their punk alt music influenced many bands around the Chattanooga area and Im sure more around the US. The pop and drive of their songs from their first record combined with the reverent, acoustic driven songs from the second record make up a great anthology for a truly missed band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OItjYp_jyg8

All of these bands are worth a small piece of your time. They will not disappoint.

A Year of Jubilation Part 1

A Year of Jubilation (Part 1)

I awaken… if that’s what it’s called; to a world, to a place, to a home. I move my stiff limbs and gasp for something to take this anxious feeling away from whatever is choking me. Where am I? Who am I? I wander around a strange land. The beauty is too much for me to comprehend. Water starts to pour forth from where I see. What is this mystery that overwhelms me? I see long stalks tower in the sky and wetness running through the land. Just as I begin to feel alone and scared I hear His voice. I see Him standing in front of me. I then realize I was formed from the very innate image of the one to whom I stare motionless at.

“Adam,” says the Voice

“Yes,” I reply guessing that that word must embody me.

“I AM,” He says in reply.

Immediately my bones shiver in fearful reverence. At that moment I begin to fear “I AM.” Not the kind of fear that would make me want to turn my eyes, but a magnetic fear.

He speaks again.

“Adam, I have formed you in my own image. You are the first of many more to come. This is the Garden of Eden, which I give to you. Take and enjoy.”

He offers me the lush garden when all I really crave, for the first time, is just for His constant presence.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Thus began a year of jubilation between I AM and I. The rivers flowed and the sun shone by day and the moon gave us light by night. I AM was always with me, but sometimes not physically present. His spirit was palpable, but I desired constant fellowship. So He gave unto me tasks within the Garden. He gave me birds of air and beasts of the land to name and rule over. At the sound of my own voice an animal would come near or flee away. I AM had given me a mystical power that I could not explain. He brought me near a tree, as I had learned from I AM, and told me of it.

“Adam, because I love you I’m telling you that of any tree in the Garden you may eat, except this one.”

I stood mesmerized . The tree stood resolute with such girth that I felt that I AM was saving me from such unprecedented wickedness; and who knew such wickedness could dwell amongst the limbs of a tree?

“Of any tree in the garden you may eat, except this tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die.”

I AM spoke with love in His voice, so much in fact that it shook the ground we stood on with the sound of thunder.  After this He left me to my own for a bit of time. Yet still after all of this I lacked fellowship with someone of my own kind.  I spent hours aching for a companion that was like me. All of creation sang by day and night, but it still didn’t fill a certain void that had overcome me. I knew that I AM looked on my predicament with sadness of heart. Again, He loved me. He loves His creation.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....

One day as I was working a deep yearning for sleep started to come upon me. This had not happened before since I had awoken in the garden. My flesh wanted rest, but my mind was concerned at my physical condition and why exactly, for no reason mind you, my eyes were so heavy. After a few moments of inner war my flesh won over, or so I thought, and I surrendered unto sleep. My dreams were void of anything. I felt what I thought was a constant tugging and pulling, but I gave into the notion that dreams were made for us to explore the unknown; things that we may never see or think of again. I awoke to a surprise that changed my life forever.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

“Adam.” I AM said. “It is not good that man should be alone. Behold, I have taken a rib from you and I have made a helper fit for you.”

The words reached into my soul as I saw the Imago Dei of another like me beside I AM. The beauty, the grace from wince it came. My eyes welled up with tears for the love and passion of this long awaited companion. It had seemed like years that I had wandered with this, this Imago Dei as my helper. All the feeling left my bones and I became stiff. I finally resolved to say something, anything as both I AM and this other Imago Dei stood smiling at me.

“This,” I started to lose my composure and became overwhelmed with tears, “this at last is bone of my bone and flesh and my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” 

Mixtape II

Here's my Sophomore effort in the world of making mixtapes. For all those who listened to the first tape, thank you. I hope you have enjoyed listening to it as much I have. I hope in some way it brought you a little inspiration and made your day that much better. All the artists featured on these tapes are true musicians in my humble opinion. Please support them and buy their records. This is another reason for these mixtape playlists. So, without further ado here is Mixtape II....

A-Side
1. Bruised- The Bens- The Bens EP
2. After All- Ben Rector- Songs That Duke Wrote
3. Sigh No More-featuring Maurissa Tancharoen&Jed Whedon-Much Ado About Nothing Soundtrack
4. Writing to Reach You- Travis- The Man Who
5. Bookmark- Andrew Osenga- Bookmark Single
6. Happiness- The Fray- The Fray

B-Side
7. Bluebird- Randall Goodgame- bluebird
8. Simple Song- The Shins- Port of Morrow
9. Golden- Switchfoot- Nothing is Sound
10. The Curse- Josh Ritter- So Runs the World Away
11. Oh, Pretty Boy, You're Such a Big Boy- Menomena- Mines
12. Janie- Further Seems Forever- Penny Black
13. Sad to Watch You Wave- Eric Peters- Chrome

There are some repeat artists from the first Mixtape, but the songs were too perfect to not include. This is Mixtape II for your consideration.... Thanks!
ps.... I just looked up to make sure all the songs were somewhere to be found online. Bluebird is only available on this link... Sorry for the inconvenience, but atleast you can still listen to it! Its worth it, I promise!
 https://store.rabbitroom.com/product/bluebird

Mixtape 6/19/13

I really like making mixtapes and this one is by far my favorite. If you've never heard of any of these songs before, you should look the songs up. They're really good, I promise. Haha, but seriously thanks for reading this and reviewing my mixtape.....

1. Moving Upstairs - Danny Seim- Blue Like Jazz Soundtrack
2. One Engine- The Decemberists- The Hunger Games Soundtrack
3. Time To Run- Lord Huron- Lonesome Dreams
4. I Will Steal You Back- Jimmy Eat World- Damage
5. Spark (Bitter)- Until June- Young & Foolish
6. Danny's Song- The Swon Brothers- The Voice Performance Single
7. Get Up- Barcelona- Absolutes
8. Here Comes The Sun- The Beatles- Abbey Road
9. Choose the One Who Loves You More- Copeland- In Motion
10. Change of Time- Josh Ritter- So Runs the World Away
11. Help is Round the Corner- Coldplay- Yellow EP
12. Sky High- Ben Folds Five- The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind
13. O, Theo- Matthew Perryman Jones- Land Of The Living

All these should be available on Spotify to listen to. Hope you all enjoy!