Monday, February 20, 2012

New Eyes by Nichole Broome

I love how in the past 5 years social media has just exploded. It is amazing how simple services like Facebook, Google +, LinkedIn and others can bring lost friends and family together as if they were never apart! Among the hundreds of friends/acquaintances I have come across and reconnected with is a friend I had in 7th and 8th grade, Nichole Crook Broome. We were in choir together at Northwest School of the Arts. She was among the many, many talented kids at my school that have become successful in the arts. I remember she was someone I looked up to because she had such an amazing voice, she also had similar values and beliefs as me, so I was comfortable around her. Anyhow, we didn't stay in touch as we changed schools and grew up, until Facebook came along. We became friends on FB, haven't talked a ton, but its been fun to see her family grow and follow her career as well! 

Last year she released her first solo album called New Eyes. Ever since I bought it on iTunes I have listened to it at least once a day. As I've said before, I am always listening to music, and her album is fun, inspiring, and uplifting, it helps me get things done with enjoyment! It was unexpected to hear the jazzy undertones to the album, but I love it! Every song has a unique message. 

New Eyes

You say don't worry about it, just stop thinking about it, try to get some sleep
I've been tossing and turning, it feels like my soul is burning, I'm crying way down deep.
When I try to forget all the ghosts in my head, I feel so week,
that is when I let in the sweet words that you said
and fall asleep,
So rescue me, give me new eyes to see
I'll follow you're lead, just rescue me

Sometimes I feel so defeated,
So incomplete and my spirits beating me down
But then I'll stop breathing, the promise of your victory,
that's when I fall to the ground and cry,
When I try to forget all the ghosts in my head, I feel so week,
 that is when I let in the sweet words that you said,
and fall asleep,
So rescue me, give me new eyes to see
I'll follow your lead, and rescue me

Fall Holy spirit, fall down, fall down
Fall Holy spirit, fall

And rescue me, give me new eyes to see
I'll follow your lead, just rescue me
I'll follow your lead, and rescue me
(I transposed the words to this song by listening to it, so I apologize if it's not 100% accurate
song written and sung by Nichole Broome)

I love every single song on this album, so it was hard to pick one specific that particularly inspired me, they all do! I have fallen in love with the words of the title song, New Eyes. How often do we all worry about things in our life and try to figure them out on our own?  It is something we should all constantly work on to humble ourselves, fall to our knees and ask our Father in heaven for the help he is waiting to give us. He sends the holy spirit down to comfort us, help us forget the "ghosts in our head" and fall asleep, that is, to leave it all to him to take care of. He wants to give us new eyes to see things in His way, and the way we can do that is by following Him, and the example our Savior Jesus Christ gave us.

I love finding new music artists that can inspire me to be better, and it was an extra bonus that I knew Nichole! I wish her the best with her music career and family, and hope that you will check out her album!

Friday, February 10, 2012

I Believe In Christ

I Believe in Christ. Such a simple phrase, yet SO full of meaning. A few months back my belief in Christ as our Savior and Redeemer was challenged by someone. This was the first time in my life someone was blatantly telling me what I "believed", and that, I, as a member of the LDS church did not believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. I was told I should "go back and read my Book of Mormon and bible, and learn about what Jo Smith taught" It stung. But I held strong to my testimony and told them what I know is true, and that I know, as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, that WE BELIEVE in Christ. He is God's son. He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane and died on the cross to save me from my sin. He knows my pain and suffering, because he has felt it. I know that He died, that I might live again. (If you are not of my faith, and would like to know more of what we believe you can visit THIS website
I love the song "I Believe in Christ", written by Bruce R. McConkie. The words are so powerful and piercing to the soul. Here are the words, and my testimony, my belief, in our Savior of the World, Jesus Christ.

I Believe in Christ
I believe in Christ; he is my King!
With all my heart to him I'll sing; I'll raise my voice in praise and joy,
In grand amens my tongue employ.
I believe in Christ' he is God's Son. On earth to dwell his soul did come.
He health the sick; the dead he raised.
Good works were his; his name be praised

I believe in Christ; oh, blessed name!
As Mary's son he came to reign 'mid mortal men, his earthly kin,
To save them from the woes of sin.
I believe in Christ; who marked the path, who did gain all his Father hath,
Who said to men: "Come, follow me, that ye my friends, with God may be."

I believe in Christ- my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod. I'll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me. From Satan's grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love In his eternal courts above

I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From hi I'll gain my fondest dream; And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: "He shall obtain."
I believe in Christ; so come what may. With him I'll stand in that great day.
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.

If you are looking for some wonderful renditions of this song check out Michael Dowdle's version, he is a truly remarkable guitarist. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir also has many beautiful recordings of this song.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Arise

We all need to Arise! Our world is in turmoil and needs each of us to reach out to all places, call to all nations. Now's our time to shine. Arise.