"She sings..World, I've Overcome You."

This has not been my week. There’s been things that have frustrated me and situations that have laid heavy on my heart. There’s been a lot of wondering “what is right? what is true? What is worthy?”

Mostly, when I’m in a bad mood, ice cream and sweatpants will do the trick. But this week it was a John Mark McMillan concert. By myself. Solo in Chicago. It’s amazing what some perspective will do to change an attitude. Yet another reason why I’ll never give up concerts for Lent.

I secretly like going to concerts by myself from time to time. Tonight was one of those nights. I could take in all that was around me, get annoyed by the girls who slipped in last minute to jump right in front of me and talk the whole time. (Remind me to write that concert etiquette book). It was obvious who was there just to hear “How He Loves” and who was a true John MM fan. It was only slightly annoying and I chalked up my annoyance to all the drama and stupidity of this week. But then John made a comment as he began “How He Loves” that totally put it all in perspective. He played a few chords to prompt all the fans to start recording and said... “Aren’t you guys sick of this song?” The crowd responded “NO!: (that’s why we paid $12 to come--I was thinking). “Well if you aren’t sick of it (long pause) then I’m not either, but this song is 10 years old. Anyway, here we go.” and the he started the song.

I’ve always said “How He Loves” isn’t his best song on the album, but I do believe the song’s message is a strong one. Most of the songs sing of deep lyrics of movement, of not just standing still but of overcoming this world to get to God. “How He Loves” is simply a reminder. One of movement from a recognition of the fact that God loves us, to a movement of really believing, and then ending with a proclamation in truth of the love. While I don’t know if this is the real focus of the building of this song and repetition, that’s how I interpret it.

Overall the show was great. The theme of “overcome” showed up in many of his songs, including a new song called “We Have Seen A Darkness.” The fight between light and dark in the spiritual world is nothing new, but I loved his connection of hope coming alive after despair. (It’s on YouTube, check it out).

John stopped near the end of the show to tell about an opportunity to help raise $18,000 for a well in Africa. He stuttered and looked nervous the whole time, as if he is shy and hides behind the song. He said many times that he gave his life to the song, and was sorry to speak, but he wanted our money. Guilt money or not, to save children in Africa. It wasn’t rehearsed, it wasn’t overly obvious, what was truth was that he deeply cared for helping others and doing something about it. Usually I get annoyed by the 5 minute break to tell us about who sponsors the tour, but this was different. I respect John and his plea to bring clean water, to bring life, to an African town.

My favorite JMM song is “Ten Thousand.” I was close enough to see the set list and noticed it wasn’t on there. In typical fashion, a song suggestion was yelled across the small room in the midst of the quiet, awkward “let’s change out guitars and tune them time.” (Yelling out a song request is so not appropriate concert etiquette). But John approved the request and promised to maybe, possibly but possibly not play the song. My song. “Ten Thousand.”

And so John ended with this beautiful song of hope, a song of movement, an anthem for how we should move forward in the midst of this world. And it was beautiful. He turned the mic to us and together we finished out the song: “We sing, world, I’ve overcome you.”

This week, as I deal with the drama of this world, I’ve been reminded that I’m not made for this world, that I’ll overcome it and conquer it. I just need to not let it get me.

When John was talking about the unfair life of children in Africa, he said...

“We were all created--there are things inside of us know when something isn’t right. We can argue about the details but we know at the end of the day what isn’t right.”

He went on to say:

We have three options when we are faced with things that aren’t right:

1. We can laugh and be cynical.
2. We can weep at the destruction and stay in depression
3. Or we can do something about it.

“Feeling bad doesn’t make you do good. You gotta do good because you feel empowered, because you see a purpose, because you see something better than you that you want to be like because you love it. You have the power to be a part of it, to make something better. And so you do good.”

Ahhh... so in the midst of this week, I was happy to hear some perspective. To be reminded that I can choose to be cynical, or choose to weep, but really I should seek to do something about injustice, whether to myself or to others.

All of my dramatic tragedies this week aren’t big. Honestly. They are tiny white girl middle class tragedies. And while I own them and mourn them, I must do something about them. And not just do something, but also have some perspective. There are others with bigger tragedies, bigger issues of reality in the worlds of people around me that I should be focused on.

Let us put on love this week... get outside of our own little tragedies and start helping those around us. Let’s start figuring out how to really do something that helps another person “overcome their world.”

"This year is a sealed envelope with apprehensive hope"

I've become a huge Sleeping at Last fan recently. The band is releasing a 3 track ep every month for a year. (October was the first month). To purchase the "Yearbook" ep's, click here.

The January ep just came out yesterday. It won't be available on iTunes until the 11th, but you can purchase an immediate download on the band's website.

The lyrics speak my heart, and January White is so true of my soul. Love it.

"January White" by Sleeping at Last

so let's press undo.

rearrange the old and call it new-

january white.

every calendar is playing the same old trick:

a year will disappear, replaced with counterfeit

but we'll never really mind.

'cause if nothing else, we're given a little time

to change the game, a chance to redefine

everything we are,

in our january white.

this year is a sealed envelope,

a culmination of hopes,

the lottery results that we've been crossing fingers for.

we could paint our walls a lighter shade of blue,

or we could pack our bags and change the entire view

to january white.

if nothing else, we're given a little time

to change the heart in which we change our minds;

our hourglasses turn.

this year is a sealed envelope;

with apprehensive hope

we brace for anything.

i swear, i understand that nothing changes that,

the past will be the past,

but the future is brighter than any flashback.

well, we could let our guards down a little easier this time,

we could trust that when there's joy, there's nothing dark behind.

in spite of history,

hope is january white.

this year, we're starting over again

letter openers in hand,

a chance to take a chance.

i swear, i understand that the past will be the past,

and nothing changes that,

but the future is brighter than any flashback.

There's so much I don't know.

“The Sophomore” by Ben Rector

I don't have too much to say

Except for a change in weather

Today is the same as yesterday

Stuck in a sophomore effort

(there's so much I don't know)

Don’t know why we fear the change

When we've only just begun

Because with fear comes hope the same

And tomorrow's gonna come

There's so much I don't know

There's so much I don't know

And you find you're holding on

To everything you know

But the strength to move beyond

Is found in letting go

There's so much I don't know

It's like learning how to drive on a crowded highway

Whether this dies or stays alive, I did it my way

I know that the adventure's gone

It's the second time I find

That what is lost is replaced by grace and I find

There's so much I don't know

Top 11 of 2010

I've heard it said that it's easier to critique than to create.

I try not to critique someone else's creation especially if I can't create it myself. Music is that thing I can't create. But I do enjoy it. All bands need fans, and I'll play the role of fan. But this year, I've been given the opportunity to be a music critic.

I don't necessarily like the term "critic" but Under the Radar has asked me to be a music critic this year and I've enjoyed it. Really I'm just a fan. I enjoy going to shows, hosting shows at The Underground, listening to great music, and generally just being a supporter of artists.

Music is a voice for the soul. 2010 has proven to be a year of much needed soul tending music. And it delivered. Here are my top 11 albums of the year. Among a panel of 9 critics (uh.. fans), we came up with a final list, but over 50 didn't make the final cut. To see the final albums chosen by UTR critics, click here.

Here's my top 11 of 2010:

1. Ben Rector “Into the Morning”

The first timeI heard this album, I was driving around Nashville with some friends. It was one of those times you say “I don’t want to forget this moment right now.” I couldn’t remember where we were going, only who we were listening to. What a great album that I love for it’s piano driven beats, smooth vocals, and honest lyrics. It wins my top spot for 2010.

2. Andrew Belle “The Ladder”

There are albums I only listen to in certain seasons, but “The Ladder” is one for all seasons and emotions. I love the album for all it brings lyrically and musically. Each song demands attention. The lyrics seem personal yet relatable and real, something I admire about Belle’s songwriting.

3. Seabird “Rocks into Rivers”

“Rocks into Rivers” is so much more than Seabird’s radio hit “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.” I think this album has been overlooked and deserves notice. Brothers Aaron and Ryan Morgan lead this band with soul and dedication and is evident in each track.

4. JJ Heller “When I’m With You”

Listening to JJ Heller’s album while sitting by a fireplace and drinking a latte makes a great afternoon. “When I’m With You” is like a great book that you don’t want to put down. This album is on repeat and contends with Sara Groves “Fireflies and Songs” on my iTunes top playlist.

5. Tenth Avenue North “The Light Meets the Dark”

I love Tenth Avenue North’s album for it’s thread of hope and redemption that weaves through each track.It seems very timely and prophetic for people today. Having seen this band live twice this year, playing through these songs, it was evident that the these songs are more than just words and chords. While “The Light Meets the Dark” isn’t “under the radar” it’s one of the best gourmet mainstream Christian albums of 2010.

6. John Mark McMillan “The Medicine”

While most people would recognize McMillan’s song “How He Loves,” it’s not just this track, but the other 13 that makes this album worthy of my list. An album of poetry and worship with honest lyrics begs you to decipher McMillan’s deeper meaning. Each song has a lyric you want to underline, highlight, and put on repeat.

7. Sleeping at Last “October EP”

I’m pretty sure that Sleeping at Last’s full 12 month “yearbook” will make my top list for 2011. Each month a new 3 song EP is released, with October being the first and will continue through September 2011. Each month I’ll be waiting for the new songs, but October will most likely stand out as the best one.

8. Jars of Clay “The Shelter”

From the title track, the lyrics plead “In the shelter of each other, we will live.” An album full of guest artists including Sara Groves, Gungor, Derek Webb, David Crowder, and others is yet another reminder that Jars of Clay continues to try new things musically. I love that “The Shelter” is a call to all of us to make a difference as a community of believers. It’s beyond pop and radio, giving us theme songs for how to live life.

9. Chasen “That Was Then, This is Now”

“That Was Then, This is Now” is a perfect album title for the boys from South Carolina. It’s clear that these boys are now men, using life and their faith journey as inspiration behind the new album. A great combination of rock, melody, worship, and true lyrics makes this album worthy of my list.

10. Robbie Seay Band “Miracle”

The Robbie Seay Band has gotten a bit more recognition this past year, and “Miracle” is the reason. Robbie Seay is a great songwriter. It’s difficult to miss the lyrics in the melody, playing off each other to make songs that are worshipful to the King. An undertone of love and a plead for being real in the midst of life is heard from track to track.

11. Derek Webb “Feedback”

“Feedback” is an instrumental worship album with a theme of The Lord’s Prayer. Each track focuses on a line from the prayer. I am a digital music purchaser, but I’m thankful I bought a physical copy of “Feedback.” The album comes with pictures depicting each line of the prayer, from 2 artist perspectives. Derek Webb steps out yet again to create an experiential worship album with “Feedback.” Take an hour to worship and pray through The Lord’s Prayer with with this album and the pictures. It will be worth it.

Honorable Mention:

--Mumford & Sons "Sigh No More" - It would have made my top list of the year, but it's specific to Christian bans who are "under the radar."

--Satellites and Sirens "Self titled"

Albums I'm looking forward to in 2011:

--Brandon Heath (January)

--Aaron Gillespie (March)

--Needtobreathe (July-ish?)

November via Pictures: So blessed!

While waiting for a friend, I flipped through my pictures on my iPhone. I realized that November has given me some great experiences and I was grateful to have pictures to remind me. I've been to a ridiculous number of shows this month. So, here's the first half of November via pictures from my iphone...

November 5th: Downtown Chicago from our my room:

November 6th: Girls at the Hot Chocolate 5k! We won!

November 7th: Chasen/Luminate rock out at The Underground:

November 7th: Anytime Chasen plays, they break something. Bass was so loud, the cups broke!

November 7th: Sam from Luminate signs the bathroom wall:

November 8th: Staff meetings require 2 Diet Cokes:

November 8th: My "big sister" Tabby. Someday I'm gonna be just like her.

November 8th: Chasen House show:

November 9th: My friend Mary with her "peanut" and my "pretzel."

November 10th: Wednesday Night worship with Starfield:

November 11th: Christmas begins in The Underground. UGH. Love/Hate relationship.

November 11th: Skillet/TobyMac show in Springfield. John shot pyro out of his guitar.

November 12th: Robbie Seay and the Youth Team. He promised to come back to The Underground! Win.

November 12th: Donald Miller.

November 13-18th: Nothing apparently happened. I have no pics, except for this one. Funny!

November 18th: Needtobreathe at The Ryman in Nashville.

November 19th: Group Magazine's current issue has my little sidebar article! All the YS convention attendee's get the mag for free today! Yay!

Addison Road - This Little Light of Mine

Fight Another Day

"Fight Another Day" by Addison Road

Your broken dreams,
Your crazy schemes,
They always let you down.
The things we chase,
A hopeless race,
You're breathless, off the ground.
From soaring highs to crash-and-dies,
A peace yet to be found.
But you could spend a lifetime running.
You could spend a lifetime running.

And do you feel the fire when the flame gets hot?
Are you living every day like it's the last you got?
Will you step aside when it all falls down,
And watch it burn away?
Have a little faith when the walls cave in,
Pray for strength to fly against the wind.
Will you walk away when the fire gets hot,
Or fight another...Another day, yeah.
Another day, yeah.

Your fractured heart,
Your disregard,
It leaves you frozen still.
A slow withdrawal
From it all
That keeps you unfulfilled.
Will you spend a lifetime running?
'Cause you could spend a lifetime running!

And do you feel the fire when the flame gets hot?
Are you living every day like it's the last you got?
Will you step aside when it all falls down,
And watch it burn away?
Have a little faith when the walls cave in,
Pray for strength to fly against the wind.
Will you walk away when the fire gets hot,
Or fight another...Another day, yeah.
Another day, yeah.

Even when your heart's been broken,
He'll be there with arms wide open.
Be strong and his love will lead you to fight another day!

Untitled.

There are epic things that have occurred in the the past few weeks.

Epic wins. Epic fails.

And while I haven’t found a way to voice those things, I find my voice in a song. I shared this same song in blog recently, but now it makes even more sense. This past week I went to Nashville to compete in my first half marathon and attend the Dove Awards (Christian music awards.) Francesca Battistelli won “Female Artist of the Year.” She performed her newest single “Beautiful, Beautiful.” It does sum up the past few weeks for me. So I’ll share it (again) below. I’ve added two scripture passages that connected with me as well. I hope to unpack the epic wins (and epic fails) in future blogs. But for now I will say that the epic wins were abundant, amazing, and encouraging.

Many runners at the marathon had this verse on their back. It keep me focused:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” --Phil.4:13

On living in the Spirit:

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Beautiful, Beautiful by Francesca Battistelli

Don’t know how it is You looked at me

And saw the person that I could be

Awakening my heart

Breaking through the dark

Suddenly Your grace

Like sunlight burning at midnight

Making my life something so

Beautiful, beautiful

Mercy reaching to save me

All that I need

You are so

Beautiful, beautiful

Now there’s a joy inside I can’t contain

But even perfect days can end in rain

And though it’s pouring down

I see You through the clouds

Shining on my face

I have come undone

But I have just begun

Changing by Your grace

Bonus

Here’s my current soundtrack:

1. Everything Falls by Fee
2. Moving Backwards by Ben Rector
3. Tonight by TobyMac/John Cooper
4. For Those Who Wait by Fireflight
5. Like a Lion by David Crowder
6. Healing Begins by Tenth Avenue North
7. The Beat by Ben Rector
8. Anchor by Satellites and Sirens
9. Dear Heart by Sanctus Real
10. Let the Waters Rise by Mikeschair

Beautiful, Beautiful.

The Rock and Worship Tour has been making it's way across the country the past few weeks. Each night has been streaming live online. And of course, I've been tuning in. The tour features Mercy Me, Family Force 5, David Crowder, Francesca Battistelli, Fee, Remedy Drive, and Sidewalk Prophets. (Favorites in bold).

Anyway, I've been listening to the lyrics and this one stood out. It's a great song.

Francesca Battistelli "Beautiful Beautiful"

Don’t know how it is You looked at me
And saw the person that I could be
Awakening my heart
Breaking through the dark
Suddenly Your grace

Like sunlight burning at midnight
Making my life something so
Beautiful, beautiful
Mercy reaching to save me
All that I need
You are so
Beautiful, beautiful

Now there’s a joy inside I can’t contain
But even perfect days can end in rain
And though it’s pouring down
I see You through the clouds
Shining on my face

I have come undone
But I have just begun
Changing by Your grace

Like sunlight burning at midnight
Making my life something so
Beautiful, beautiful
Mercy reaching to save me
All that I need
You are so
Beautiful, beautiful

Between Stephen Kellogg Concerts

I went to a Stephen Kellogg concert over 5 years ago. I had just moved back to Illinois after having lived in Denver. I moved on a promise of a youth ministry job at a church. I was excited about the new transition and a friend had allowed me to live with her. I had gone to college in Illinois, and I had a few friends that I was excited to be close to again. I was sad to leave behind the life I had created in Denver, but was hopeful that God would redeem and expand my community in Illinois.

What I had hoped to be a very exciting, happy start turned out to be quite a different beginning of my time back in Illinois. I hadn’t even unpacked before I found out (after I called the church) that they had given my position to someone else. You’re probably thinking the same thing as me, “How could they do that?” Well, as we know, there are always politics involved...and let’s just say there was no signed contract yet, so therefore they could pull a move like that. Nevertheless, the learned lesson was to never move without two things: a signed contract AND moving expenses paid.

In my first week after having left a very encouraging, loving community in Colorado, I was back in Illinois, sitting alone on the floor among my boxes trying to understand God, his church, and his people...and my future. There were a few things I knew to be true sitting there in my room.

1. God never lets me go...and I’ve experienced that.
2. I knew I was called to ministry....and I’ve experienced that.
3. I had a lot of bills and no money....I’ve ALWAYS experienced that.
4. One day He will set all things right.....someday I will experience that.

I got up from the floor and left the boxes packed. I went to church. Well, I wasn’t sure what church to go to, because for the first time, I didn’t have a church. So I went to the first one I could find in Wheaton. I sat in the back hoping to just fulfill my duty of being “at church every Sunday” and I didn’t want anyone to talk to me. That is when I met Tracy. She was God in flesh at that moment sitting next to me in the back pew. She listened to me and offered me babysitting hours, and even told me about a Lutheran church in Naperville that was looking for a High School Youth Director.

For a dark month in November I was working odd jobs for a temp agency and going to concerts. I took off one night on my own to explore Chicago and ended up at at Mat Kearney/Stephen Kellogg show at Shubas. I was alone at this show and I wondered how God was going to figure out my next steps because I had no idea. I remember what a great night that was, and begging that God would find roots for me in this place and a place where I could serve....

I went to a Stephen Kellogg concert last night.

And like many things, I am finding how God comes full circle. I’ve seen it in scripture, I’ve seen in in my life. As I was at the show last night, I reflected on the past 5 years. I reflected on that dark month, and how God’s hand was in all of it and led me to that Lutheran church in Naperville, that I still serve at. And last night I pondered a few things that I know to be true.

1. God never lets me go.
2. I know that I’m still called to ministry.
3. I still have alot of bills and no money.
4. And one day, as I experienced last night, He sets things right.

For me, there’s a lot of life that happened between those two Stephen Kellogg concerts. A lot of growing up, a lot of pain, a lot of blessings.... roots, community, and constant reminders of God’s calling and love in my life. There’s been gray hairs, weight gain and weight loss...there’s been old friendships broken and new friendships created. Numerous address changes, numerous teen heart changes, and always, always.... concerts.

Fireflies and Songs

I didn't know about this album until two weeks ago. I can say that besides some Christmas music, Sara Groves "Fireflies and Songs" has been playing non stop in my world.

I like to listen to new albums a few times and then go back and really listen to the lyrics. I'm amazed. I'm also bummed that I didn't give it credit on my top albums of 2009. Luckily, it still made the top of the critics choice for Under the Radar. Listen to the latest episode here: radarradio.net.

You can also go to www.relevantmagazine.com/thedrop and listen to the full album.

It's worth your time to take a listen.

Here are the lyrics for "Different Kinds of Happy" from Sara Groves newest release.

go on and ask me anything
what do you need to know
I'm not holding on to anything
I'm not willing to let go of
to be free, to be free

I've got to ask you something
but please don't be afraid
there's a promise here thats heavier
than your answer might weigh
baby it's me, it's me

it's a sweet, sweet thing
standing here with you and nothing to hide
light shining down to our very insides
sharing our secrets, bearing our souls,
helping each other come clean

secrets and cyphers
there's no good way to hide
there's redemption in confession
and freedom in the light
I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid

better than our promises
is the day we got to keep them
I wish those two could see us now
they never would believe how
there are different kinds of happy
different kinds of happy
there are different kinds of happy
different kinds of happy

These Hard Times

Today I saw something when I was driving that made me sad.

And then this song came through the speakers.

"These Hard Times" by Needtobreathe

Give me something brighter
Give me something I can see
Give me something vicious
Give me something I can be
Give me all the love and peace
To end these wars
Give me something sacred
Something worth fighting for

It's clear enough to me
The ugliness I see
Is evidence of who I need

Give me an answer
Give me the way out
Give me the faith
To believe in these hard times

Give me motivation
Give me all my heart's desires
Show me something gorgeous
Show me 'til my eyes get tired
Give me all the drums and
Show me how to play them loud
Show me how to move
When I can't feel that you're around

It's clear enough to me
The ugliness I see
Is evidence of who I need

Give me the answer
Give me the way out
Give me the faith
To believe in these hard times

We hide like thieves in shadows
Scared of the sun
'Cause we know the light will find us
Us and all we've done

Give me an answer
Give me a way out
Give me the faith
To believe in these hard times

Give me the faith to believe in these hard times

Top 10's of 2009

Recently I was asked to be a music critic and contribute my top 10 albums and top 10 songs of 2009 to Under The Radar radio. (www.radarradio.net). So, here's my choices.

My top 10 albums and songs of 2009.

Overall, the key word in 2009 was “hope.” It’s not without notice that many of the albums and songs on my list made their way to the top because this year we’ve needed to be reminded of God’s hope.

Top 10 Albums of 2009

1. Needtobreathe “The Outsiders”

There is no way that you’ve lived through 2009 without listening to “The Outsiders”. It’s the top of my list for a reason. It’s not just music, it’s an experience. You want to hold on to the lyrics, hug them, and never let go.

2. Jars of Clay “The Long Fall Back to Earth”

I’ve had my share of criticism for Jars in the past but this album is fresh. It seems that the band reinvents themselves with each album, and I hope this version sticks around. More grown up and having some life perspective, Jars has put together an album that tops my list of all of Jars’ previous work.

3. David Crowder Band “Church Music”

After the first time hearing “Church Music,” I sent a text to several friends: “We will no longer be friends if you do NOT pick up Church Music.” And I was serious. It’s as if DC*B has a pulse on my heart, on my relationship with God, and knows the words that I want to worship with. DC*B put hours and hours of time on this album and the payoff is worth it. Many people are not a fan of this album, but I think it’s genius.

4. Abandon “Searchlights”

A brand new band that is just starting to get noticed, “Searchlights” is a masterpiece. For their debut album, I’m not sure where they can go from here. The lyrics speak truth to this generation,and their love for God and desire for people to know His Hope, is the common thread in each song.

5. Lanae Hale “Back and Forth”

Here’s a cd for all the girls. I came across this album and it immediately became my coffee shop mix. It’s a cd for those days when you just need a song to define your emotions and thoughts. “Quiet Place” should top your ‘need some time with God’ playlist.

6. The Fray “The Fray”

Every time I listen to the self-titled release from The Fray, I learn something new. Somedays I have no idea what the lyrics mean, and other days they define me. While it may not be as good as their first release, this album is underrated and gets lost in the mix. Listen as if you never knew “How to Save a Life” ever got released, then it will make your top 10 too.

7. Switchfoot “Hello Hurricane”

As with all previous Switchfoot albums, “Hello Hurricane” requires you a few listens before you fall in love. But there comes a point about the third or fourth time through that hooks you. Jon Foreman and the Switchfoot crew brings hope through music and I’m in love.

8.Owl City “Ocean Eyes”

There is no doubt that 2009 was a very good year for Adam Young. I’m one of those annoying people that reminds all the teens that Owl City was cool before they hit number one on iTunes. I’m also the one to remind them that Adam Young is a Christian. While others may criticize his “everyday” lyrics of life, I’m refreshed to know that we don’t always have to sing about God and still love Him.

9. Skillet “Awake”

There are only a few cds that I don’t care if people hear me sing along to in my car. Skillet’s “Awake” is one of those. It begs to be played loud. It begs for you to sing at the top of your lungs with passion. Skillet makes things like guy-liner cool for any teen guy and being a girl drummer a possibility. “Awake” is encouraging. It’s filled with hope. It requires you to see Skillet live.

10. Fiction Family “Fiction Family”

From the collaboration of Sean Watkins and Jon Foreman comes an album of grassroots proportions. I am in love with this album because it’s refreshing and fun while at the same time being deep and spiritual. Watkins and Foreman have a way of taking their hearts and burdens and giving us a musical hopefulness to life.

Top 10 Songs of 2009

1. “Anchor” by Satellites and Sirens

Friends, faith, and hope anchor us down. “Anchor” can be a worship song. “Anchor” can be a song dedicated to friends. It’s one of those songs that reminds you of the things that really matter in life. Satellites and Sirens is a band to watch for in 2010. “Anchor” along with their other songs gets us all dancing and thinking about life and relationships.

2. “How He Loves” by David Crowder Band

In my narcissistic world, sometimes I just need to be reminded that God loves me. And that if ‘his grace is an ocean, we’d all drown.’

3. “Hold On” by Abandon

As a youth pastor, this is my plea for students. I share the hope that Abandon does in this song about holding on in life, on keeping hope the thing that keeps us alive.

4. “Hope Now” by Addison Road

Hope is the buzzword this year in Christian music. “Hope Now” makes my list because of the message. It the current state of the economy, this song reminds us of what really matters. It’s my prayer for our people.

5. “God of this City” by Bluetree

While good things are happening in our churches, in our communities, there is still more to be done and this song is a reminder and prayer for God to continue to move in our cities.

6. “Backfire” by MuteMath

You can’t get away from a top 10 list without mentioning MuteMath. My personal favorite off of the new “Armistice” album is “Backfire.” It’s fun, funky, and true MuteMath.

7. “Scenic Route” by Jars of Clay

This is a personal favorite of mine. I did a lot of traveling this past summer with friends, co-workers, students, and a retreat with just me and God. “Scenic Route” was my theme song. It’s about relationships and taking the scenic route in making things work. I found that while traveling, I was doing a lot of relationship building, fixing, and creating.

8. “Miracle” by Robbie Seay Band

“Miracle” is a refreshing new song by Robbie Seay lifts the spirits and reminds us of keeping hope alive that God can move. The Robbie Seay Band pens lyrics that you just have to write in your journal. “When life doesn’t seem to make sense at all, I know You hear me when I call.”

9. “Something Beautiful” Needtobreathe

This summer I made it to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the mountaintops, and the woods. “Something Beautiful” sums up the places God met me in the world. Each of those places reminded me that God is something beautiful, that he is showing his glory, and this song has been my prayer.

10. “Dance or Die” by Family Force 5

Family Force 5 is my weakness. I absolutely love this crew of crazy guys and their catchy songs. “Dance or Die” is my default song. Whenever I need something playing in the background, this one’s it. You can’t help but dance as you put your laundry away.