Tune in Tuesday

This is a weekly feature hosted by GReads! that showcases music. I have always considered music my passion, so this is perfect for me!

Linger by The Cranberries

I chose this song this week because I'm currently reading Linger by Maggie Stiefvater. And the title makes me think of this song. I don't think that the song itself is necessarily fitting to the book – I'm only about 100 pages in – but almost every time I think the title, this song pops into my head.

Feel free to get involved with this feature by linking up at the bottom of the latest post!

Tune in Tuesday

This is a weekly feature hosted by GReads! that showcases music. I have always considered music my passion, so this is perfect for me!

The Older I Get by Skillet

Now, before I say anything more, I'll make it clear. I absolutely LOVE Skillet. We're talking my all-time favorite band. Ever. I FINALLY saw them live in 2009, and again last year. And they are SO GOOD! Their music has gotten me through a lot, and has been nothing but a wonderful blessing to me.

So, why this song? Well, GReads is a book blog, and that's how I found this meme – perusing book blogs. (For those who don't know, I also am Proud Book Nerd.) I post this one here simply to keep from completely overcrowding the book stuff.

Oddly, this week, the song actually was chosen because it reminds me of my current read, Love Story by Jennifer Echols. Although it's much more mature than the people in the story ... anyway, that's why I am sharing this one. It's possible I've shared it before, as Skillet is probably my most-shared music group, but oh, well. It works! ;-)

Feel free to get involved with this feature by linking up at the bottom of the latest post!

Tune in Tuesday

This is a weekly feature hosted by GReads! that showcases music. I have always considered music my passion, so this is perfect for me! I've been meaning to post this for a while, but just haven't had the time. Now that I have a moment, I'm in! :-) I'm always wanting to share my music. So, hopefully I can find the time to get a post up every week!

Listen to the Sound by Building 429

I recently discovered this song and absolutely LOVE it! I've already downloaded it onto my iPod. I have two of Building 429's CDs and the more I listen to them the more I love them. Anyway, enjoy! :-)

Feel free to get involved with this feature by linking up at the bottom of the latest post!

A to Z Challenge: M

M = Music

Well, this one is easy for me. :-) I have always loved music, to the point of considering it one of my passions. I played the violin during 4th through 9th grade, quitting because of an injury. After that, it was choirs. I also played the clarinet in 4th and 5th grades. I think all of this experience in very different genres helps explain my quite eclectic tastes in music. And instead of me talking about music and you reading about it, I thought I'd share some of my current favorite songs.

Rebirthing by Skillet

Tiny Heart by Flyleaf

Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson (from Grey's Anatomy soundtrack)

Hanging on by a Thread by The Letter Black

I could spend hours doing this, so I'll just stop now. It's really hard for me to pick favorites. These are just some I've been listening to a lot lately. Ask me again next week, and I'd come up with a whole different list (although Skillet almost never leaves the list – just the song changes from time to time).

Top 2 Tuesday: Music

This Week's Topic: Top 2 Songs on your Ipod

My Response: TWO? You want me to give you TWO? So not possible! I can't even tell you my top two ARTISTS. I just love music too much for that. But, I'll give it a go.

1. I'm Still Yours by Kutless ~ What can I say about this song? I can't listen to it enough. (Technically, I don't think it's on my iPod yet, but it will be – when I get around to copying it off the CD.)

2. How to Save a Life by The Fray ~ Love this song.

Only sharing two is somewhat painful for me. I often say that music is my passion, and that's really not an understatement. I LOVE music.

If you wanna play along, there's a linky HERE.

Tuesday Tunes #9

I almost forgot Tuesday Tunes this week! Today was my daughter's first day of school, and it's totally messed up my concept of time! LOL Anyway, let's listen to some MUSIC!

For the newbies, here’s the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What’s the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it’s very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It’s one of few, very few, things that I couldn’t imagine living without. As such, I’m always looking for new music, and I’m more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever’s in my head at the moment, and sometimes that’s determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me! For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU’RE listening to, whatever genre it is!

This week’s picks:

Once again, I set my iPod Touch on shuffle, and this is what came up! (Click the links to listen.)

1. In The Blink Of An Eye by MercyMe ~ This is off their 10 album, and I'm not sure which album it was on originally. But, it's a great sing-along song!

2. More Than Fine by Switchfoot ~ This is on their The Beautiful Letdown album. I bought this on a whim, when I saw it on BIG-time markdown at Family Christian Stores. Their name sounded familiar, and a couple of the song titles rang tiny bells in the back of my mind, but I wasn't quite sure who they were. Until I listened to the CD. LOVE it. And, so far, it's my favorite of theirs. Switchfoot is an awesome band.

Play along! Put your iPod, MP3 player, iTunes, CD player, or whatever on random/shuffle and share the first couple of songs with me!

Tuesday Tunes #8

For the newbies, here’s the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What’s the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it’s very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It’s one of few, very few, things that I couldn’t imagine living without. As such, I’m always looking for new music, and I’m more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever’s in my head at the moment, and sometimes that’s determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me! For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU’RE listening to, whatever genre it is!

This week’s picks:

Once again, I set my iPod Touch on shuffle, and this is what came up! (Click the links to listen.)

1. Amazed by Building 429 ~ Great song.

2. Everlasting God by Chris Tomlin ~ Chris Tomlin is one of the best Christian songwriters out there right now. He writes some of the best, most worshipful, songs I've heard in a while. I don't think this is one he actually penned, but that's beside the point! ;-) This is a great song nonetheless!

Enjoy!

Tuesday Tunes #7

You know what would be really cool? If anyone played along with this! I'm lonely! :-( You know I love you all! ;-)

For the newbies, here’s the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What’s the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it’s very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It’s one of few, very few, things that I couldn’t imagine living without. As such, I’m always looking for new music, and I’m more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever’s in my head at the moment, and sometimes that’s determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me! For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU’RE listening to, whatever genre it is!

So, as I recently mentioned, I've finally started watching Grey's Anatomy. (If you haven't read about it, you can find the post HERE. Go ahead, I'll wait ...)

And now that you're back ... As I said on the post linked above, one of my favorite things about Grey's is the music! I like it so much I actually went out and bought a 3-disc boxed set of Grey's Anatomy soundtrack music! And, it only seems fitting that I share one or two songs from that! So, here we go (click the links to listen)!

1. Cosy In The Rocket by PSAPP ~ This is the full song from which the title song for the show is taken. I love it!

2. Song Beneath The Song by Maria Taylor ~ Another one I love.

I'm gonna stop now. Both of these are on the first CD. Maybe, if I can't think of anything else next week, I'll share more favorites then!

So, how about you? What are you listening to lately?

It Really Is True ~~~ And I'm Late to the Party

Odd title, huh? I know, I know. That's because you're in for a treat: TWO posts in ONE! How cool is that? (LOL I'm in a weird mood.)

Post 1: It Really Is True

What's true? You had to ask. Well, they say that when you become a mother, things really, really change. And, well, that's a DUH statement, huh? But, I've also heard that when you have children, it's like your heart is running around. Like they ARE your heart. And, before this weekend, I thought I knew what it meant. But I didn't. Not really. I had an idea, but now I get it better than I had before.

What's changed? Well, the wonderful Mr. Ham kindly gave me the weekend home ALONE! He took our three wonderful children downstate to see his family. Just so I could get a break! (This was originally planned because we thought he was going to be away for the fall semester, but that's another story.) Don't I have the best hubby ever? Isn't that the SWEETEST thing? I have been away from my kids before, and even for about the same amount of time. The difference is that I'm home and they aren't. I haven't been home alone for more than a few hours at a time since before they were born. This is S-T-R-A-N-G-E. Quite different from what I'd expected.Don't get me wrong. I'm enjoying my much-needed ME time. But, it's weird. Everything is empty, quiet, still. I don't mind, really I don't.

Back to the original point – about the hearts running around. It dawned on me yesterday – even Friday night. It is HARD for me to not worry with them so far away. I don't worry about them nearly as much when I'm the one away from home. But, my three little hearts – four, if you count Mr. Ham – are running around four hours away from me. They have to travel for four hours on the Interstate tomorrow to come home to me. A path that very well could be wrought with danger. A path that could lead to my losing them! :-( Yes, I trust God for their safety. I'm praying for traveling mercies, that they each come home in one – very much alive and healthy – piece.

How is this like I have little hearts out there running around? Well, because my heart aches – and not with worry. But like a piece – or a few pieces, I suppose – of me is missing. Little portions of my heart are running around with their cousins downstate, and I'm a bit fragmented. I won't be whole until they return – safely. God forbid – and I mean it, God, FORBID anything happen to them – I don't know how I would move on. But, thinking like that only leads to unhappiness. So, I'm writing this out to help get such things off my mind, and get myself back into enjoying what few hours left of freedom that I have to enjoy.

I feel like this half of the post is rambling. Sorry. But, hey, I'm true to form, right? This blog is, after all, Ramblings & More! I would be a liar if I didn't ramble! ;-) Anyway, summary: My kiddos (and wonderful hubby) are away for a weekend. And FINALLY understand what is meant when they say motherhood means you have your heart outside your body!

Post 2: Late to the Party

What party? Oh, just hold on there. I'll get to it, I promise. Just brace yourself: more rambling is on the way ...

When I was in high school, I was busy. Not only did I have school work and Treble Choir, but I had a boyfriend and Falconettes (poms). Well, this is specifically my senior year – and the boyfriend in question is none other than Mr. Ham. Yes, he's my high school sweetheart. God has been good to me. I digress ...

Anyway, as such, I missed the boat on the popular TV shows of the day. Friends, ER, and other goodies. I started watching them my freshman year in college, when I finally had time – sorta. I got hooked. When Mr. Ham and I were done with college, married, and moved to our current locale, I watched all of the old ER episode reruns on TNT. I had to see what had already happened. I wasn't having trouble understanding anything, but I wanted to know what I'd missed. I picked up the show the first year WITHOUT George Clooney. Yep, I missed Dr. Ross! But, I was a faithful watcher from then on out. Even through the last few, less-than-stellar (in my opinion) seasons. I had watched them ALL and HAD to see how they ended the show. I was satisfied with the way ER was wrapped up, but also happy to see it go. Talk about beating a dead horse ...

Anyway, because of my loyalty to ER, I missed out on many other good shows, one of which was Grey's Anatomy. And I regretted that once I heard about how good it was. But, I'm loyal – often to a fault – and I wasn't ditching a floundering ER for an "ER wannabe" show.

Cue NETFLIX!

Netflix, how I love thee ... let me count the ways ...

1. Grey's Anatomy


2. Grey's Anatomy


3. Grey's Anatomy

You get the idea. I'm FINALLY watching that show. I've only got a few episodes left in Season 2 – Netflix says the last disc is coming tomorrow. (The last episode I saw was when Dr. Burke got shot and Dr. Bailey finds him in the ambulance bay. And Izzy decides to cause a patient's heart to fail so he can get a transplant.) I gotta tell ya, I LOVED the show from the pilot! So fresh, offbeat, and fun! I love that there's drama, but the show also cracks me up at times. And I love, love, LOVE the music! What an excellent show!

Although, I must complain. The whole Addison-Derek-Meredith thing. Um, hello! He's married. Meredith, back off. Of course, now I should mention that I've been watching Private Practice since its pilot, so maybe that's why I really love Addison so much. But, ya know, she's Derek's WIFE. Anyway, I must say that I cannot stand Izzy. I liked her in the first season, but this inappropriate relationship with a patient (Denny) just PISSES ME OFF! Of course, my distaste for her in general might have something to do with the way the actress (whose name eludes me at the moment) became such a diva by the end of her run on the show ... But, the Denny thing. The whole time I'm thinking "Someone stop her!" Ugh, and waiting one more day for the conclusion to that ... TORTURE!

All of that to say that, while I've got some issues with it, I'm loving Grey's Anatomy. Never thought I would be, but I'm glad I gave into my curiosity. This show makes me laugh, makes me cry, makes me angry. Excellent, excellent show. I'm glad I finally joined in this party!

That said, I won't be able to watch this season as it airs. Mr. Ham likes NBC's lineup during the time slot of Grey's. But, Netflix has been good to me, and I'll just keep going that route. Plus, then there's very little waiting between episodes. Gotta love that! ;-)

Tuesday Tunes #6

Still thinking about a button ...

Anyway, I'm a little late today. Sorry. Life's busy. Today is registration for school for two of my kids. (How is that even possible? :shock: ) And I have too many books to read in too little time for my blog. Note to self: say no sometimes ...

For the newbies, here’s the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What’s the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it’s very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It’s one of few, very few, things that I couldn’t imagine living without. As such, I’m always looking for new music, and I’m more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever’s in my head at the moment, and sometimes that’s determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me! For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU’RE listening to, whatever genre it is!

Today I'm just sharing one song. It's one of my absolute favorites. (Click the link to listen.)

Hold Fast by MercyMe ~ AWESOME song. It reaches me when I really need encouragement. I hope it ministers to you, too.

To everyone who's hurting
To those who've had enough
To all the undeserving
That should cover all of us
Please do not let go
I promise there is hope

Hold fast
Help is on the way
Hold fast
He's come to save the day
What I've learned in my life
One thing greater than my strife
Is His grasp
So hold fast

Will this season ever pass?
Can we stop this ride?
Will we see the sun at last?
Or could this be our lot in life?
Please do not let go
I promise you there's hope

You may think you're all alone
And there's no way that anyone could know
What you're going through
But if you only hear one thing
Just understand that we are all the same
Searching for the truth
The truth of what we're soon to face
Unless someone comes to take our place
Is there anyone?
All we want is to be free
Free from our captivity, Lord
Here He comes

Tuesday Tunes #5

For the newbies, here’s the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What’s the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it’s very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It’s one of few, very few, things that I couldn’t imagine living without. As such, I’m always looking for new music, and I’m more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever’s in my head at the moment, and sometimes that’s determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me! For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU’RE listening to, whatever genre it is! ;-)

This week's picks:

Once again, I set my iPod Touch on shuffle, and this is what came up!

1. Lucy by Skillet ~ Great song. So emotional. Amazing. I would LOVE to know the story behind it, but last I heard they have no intention of sharing it any time soon. Hopefully they'll share someday.

2. Taking Over Me by Evanescence ~ Another great song. Enjoy!

So, how about you? What music would you like to share?

Tuesday Tunes #4

For the newbies, here’s the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What’s the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it’s very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It’s one of few, very few, things that I couldn’t imagine living without. As such, I’m always looking for new music, and I’m more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever’s in my head at the moment, and sometimes that’s determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me!  For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU’RE listening to, whatever genre it is!

So, this week, I'm gonna take the easy way out. I'm sorry. I'm participating in a read-a-thon for my book blog, and got lucky – one of the mini-challenges asked for us to associate music with books. I apologize for this, because I generally hate when I do this! :oops: Anyway, to find the music I'd like to share this week (and if you've read The Time Traveler's Wife, then I'd love to hear your thoughts on my choices), check out my post at Proud Book Nerd, HERE. (Scroll down to where it says "Second challenge.")

Oh, and a side note: I'm hoping to get a button for this soon ... (anyone wanna volunteer to make one?)

Tuesday Tunes #3

Note to self: Schedule this ahead of time so you're not scrambling to get it done on Tuesday! ;-)

For the newbies, here’s the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What’s the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it’s very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It’s one of few, very few, things that I couldn’t imagine living without. As such, I’m always looking for new music, and I’m more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever’s in my head at the moment, and sometimes that’s determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me! For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU’RE listening to, whatever genre it is! ;-)

I had fun last week, so I'm going to do it the same way. I'm going to set my iPod on Shuffle and share the first couple of songs that come up.

1. Forsaken by Skillet ~ You know me, I LOVE Skillet. This is a great song off their Collide CD.

I recall going madly in love with you
And I remember this
How could I forget?
Regret is a needle
In my neck
It's slowly filling me
With poison
Spreading to my chest

Take my pain and numb me from this

Why do I have to beg
When all that's left
Is a memory
Forsaken [2x]

I recall pledging my sole devotion to you
It reminds me how
Now I'm on my knees
My guilt consumes
Lost the will in me
Wasting away before you
Hold me closer please

Take my pain and numb me from this

Why do I have to beg
When all that's left
Is a memory
Forsaken [2x]

Yeah, yeah, yeah
You break me

Forsake
You break me [2x]

You're breaking me

I recall going madly in love with you
And I remember this... Tell me

Why do I have to beg
When all that's left
Is a memory
Forsaken [2x]

Yeah, yeah, yeah
Forsaken
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Tell me why, why, why, why

2. Welcome to the Show by Brit Nicole ~ No real thoughts on this one. It's not my favorite of hers, but it works. I don't feel the need to share the lyrics. Hope you don't mind!

So, that's it for this week! This is a fun way to do it! If you've nothing specific you wanna share, try the random/shuffle trick! It's kinda fun seeing what comes up! :-)

Have a blessed day!

Tuesday Tunes #2

I almost didn't do this for this week. We've had a LONG week. Last Friday was Abby's 7th birthday. We had a party for her friends on Thursday. Friday night, the fun started. Natalie was first to be sick, followed (in a matter of hours) by Grant. Both are still working things out. Mr. Ham was next, followed by me. Abby appears to be getting sick now. So, obviously (I think), it has been a crazy few days. But, I decided to try to get a TT post up, because this (honestly) is something that I should've had scheduled and ready to go. Forgive me for slacking!

For the newbies, here’s the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What’s the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it’s very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It’s one of few, very few, things that I couldn’t imagine living without. As such, I’m always looking for new music, and I’m more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever’s in my head at the moment, and sometimes that’s determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me! For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU’RE listening to, whatever genre it is!

Because of the craziness that has been the past several days, I'm kinda at a loss. Usually I know in advance what I'm going to share. Not this week. I haven't a clue at the moment! So, I'm gonna whip out the iPod Touch, hit shuffle, and see what comes up first. Wish me luck!

1. Let God Arise by Chris Tomlin

Hear the holy roar of God resound
Watch the waters part before us now
Come and see what He has done for us
Tell the world of His great love

Our God is a God who saves
Our God is a God who saves

Let God arise
Let God arise
Our God reigns now and forever
He reigns now and forever

His enemies will run for sure
The church will stand, she will endure
He holds the keys of life, our Lord
Death has no sting, no final word

2. Because You're Mine by Building 429 ~ I don't know how much I've heard this before, but WOW! Awesome song! God is so good!

Child of mine I know that you’re hurting
And I’ve seen you try to soldier on
I am here to lift away your burden
And I will hold you till the pain is gone

So today I promise forever
Tomorrow I’ll say it again
You would give it all to know the answers
And I know you’ve heard this all before
I’m just here to help your heart remember
That no one else could ever love you more

You ought to know that I am here (near)
You ought to know I’ll be here to love you
Just to love you
Through all the pain and through the years
I’ll be the one to dry your tears
I love you, I love you
Because you’re mine

You would give it all to know the answers
And I know you’ve heard this all before
I’m just here to help your heart remember
That no one else could ever love you more

So today I promise forever
Tomorrow, I’ll say it all again

You ought to know that I am here (near)
You ought to know I’ll be here to love you
Just to love you
Through all the pain and through the years
I’ll be the one to dry your tears
I love you, I love you
Because you’re mine

So don’t you ever doubt
You are my precious child
my glory in the making
The years will bring you many trials
But I will never let you down
I’m here with my arms open just waiting for...

You ought to know that I am here (near)
You ought to know I’ll be here to love you
Just to love you
Through all the pain and through the years
I’ll be the one to dry your tears
I love you, I love you
Because you’re mine

You ought to know that I am here (near)
You ought to know I’ll be here to love you
Just to love you
Through all the pain and through the years
I’ll be the one to dry your tears
I love you, I love you
Because you’re mine
Because you’re mine
you’re mine

OK, that was a fun way to do it! :-) So, give it a try! Turn on your iPod (or other MP3 Player, or iTunes or even your CD player). Hit shuffle. What are the first two songs that come up?

Tuesday Tunes #1

I'm starting over. I still intend to attempt t0 share music with you every week. But, I didn't like Tune-In Tuesday as a title. Well, I liked it, but not its abbreviation ...

Anyway, so, Tuesday Tunes it is! And, new name = new string, hence my starting with #1. (Yes, I did say hence. I use that word a lot. My degree's in English. It's just something I do.)

For the newbies, here's the scoop: Tuesday Tunes is a hopefully weekly meme hosted here at Rambings & More. What's the point? Sharing music. I LOVE music. LOVE it. In fact, I would say it's very reasonable to say that music is my passion. It's one of few, very few, things that I couldn't imagine living without. As such, I'm always looking for new music, and I'm more than happy to share my favorite music! Well, not just my favorites. I also share whatever's in my head at the moment, and sometimes that's determined by what my KIDS are into at the moment. Anyway, please share your music with me! :-) For now, just leave me a comment with your link. (And please link back to me.) When we get some more participation, I’ll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier! Note: Sometimes (likely more often than not) I will share Christian music. That does NOT mean only Christian music is welcome. I wanna know what YOU'RE listening to, whatever genre it is! :-)

And now I share.

1. Better Than a Hallelujah by Amy Grant ~ This is pretty new, and I like it. I've heard there's actually a lot of complaints about this song in the Christian-music world. (What IS it with Christians and being so damn critical and prone to bitching and moaning about every. little. thing. that they don't like? SOMEONE, please explain. How is that love? How is that a good example? No wonder so many people cannot stand Christians ... anyway, that is completely beside the point.) Take a moment to listen, really listen, to this song. I get what she's saying. I totally get it. Totally. I've decided to post the lyrics (excuse poor grammar. I just C&P these) with this one, because I think it'll make it easier for me to explain. Part of it is semantics: she says sometimes. She doesn't say that your (or my) hallelujah is crap. She doesn't say tears and suffering are the only thing God hears. She says that there are times when a hallelujah just isn't as good. Why? This is the part I think is most important: she's referring to the rawness and sincerity inside our cries for help. So many times our hallelujahs are just lacking in sincerity and rawness. I'm not saying that we're not sincere. I just think we're more real with God sometimes when we're broken. There's nothing like going through rough times to bring someone back into His arms. I've been there. Most people I know have been there. THAT is what this is talking about. And, knowing that, I think this is an absolutely beautiful, right-on song! Enjoy!

God loves a lullaby
In a mothers tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
God loves the drunkards cry,
The soldiers plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.

The woman holding on for life,
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
The tears of shame for what's been done,
The silence when the words won't come
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
Better than a church bell ringing,
Better than a choir singing out,singing out.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing
better than a choir singin' loud
singin' loud

There was another song off her new album that I wanted to share, but it's not on Grooveshark right now. I don't have it on my computer, either, so I can't add it. I'll put it on the back burner for a future Tuesday Tunes post. Rather than force it and dig up another song just to fill the space, I'll keep it at one this week.

So, what about you? What music are you listening to lately? What music makes you think?

Tune-In Tuesday #10 ~ For Real

I type my titles before I actually write my posts. Otherwise, I forget to add a title! So, this was written in hopes that Grooveshark actually wants to WORK this week! I'm calling this #10 because last time Grooveshark wasn't working. Anyway, it's time for Tune-In Tuesday.

For the newbies: Tune-In Tuesday is something I (try to) do every week. I LOVE music – almost as much as I love reading. And, I figured that my blog is the perfect place to share music with you. Generally, it will be my favorites. Songs that touch me, songs that move me, songs that I love for any reason. Sometimes they'll be songs I heard recently that I like or songs that are pertinent to me at that time for reasons I'll explain in my post. If you love music – or just have some songs to share, too – please play along. For now, just leave me a comment with your link. When we get some more participation, I'll make a button and get us a Linky to make sharing easier!

Now that that's out of the way, here's this week's Tune-In Tuesday Music:

1. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) by Beyonce ~ I'm not too into Beyonce. Never have been. But, my daughter has been singing this lately – because the kid next door does. (I'm guessing it's the Chippettes' version, but I figure that'd be annoying, so we'll go with the original! ;-) )

2.Lead Me by Sanctus Real ~ I recently heard this one. WOW! I so wish this would hit home with my husband ...

I am so proud of myself! I did it – ahead of time, too! :-D I'm really, really hoping I can get into a routine with this!

So, anyone out there have music to share? I wanna know what you (or your kids, I suppose LOL) are listening to!

Tune-In Tuesday #9

A day late and a dollar short. But, hey, better late than never, right? RIGHT? ;-)

I have two songs for you. One is the aforementioned Switchfoot song, the other is appropriate right now. (Sorry, no lyrics today)

1. The Bed's Too Big Without You by The Police ~ I love this song. Always had. And this one works right now. Mr. Ham is gone for the week for business, and so, this song works. Enjoy!

2. This is Your Life by Switchfoot ~ Still not on Grooveshark – I'll have to look into that. Anyway, here's a "video" of it. (Not really a video – picture of the band while the music plays.)

If you participate today (or did yesterday despite my forgetfulness), please share a link! :-)

Have a blessed day,

Blog Journal: Day 5

Oh, MAN! Oh, man! Oh, MAN! This was a HARD one for me. If you've been following me for more than a few days, you likely will understand why when you see what it is. (Just in case, I'll explain after I show you my graphic.) As always, click on the graphic to see it bigger.

You see? ONLY ten songs? ONLY? REALLY? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE music! It's my passion. If I could go back in time, I'd major in something that would give me a way to work in the music industry. Music engineering, perhaps – being a producer would ROCK!

Anyway, more about the songs I've chosen, AND I'll embed them so you can listen while you read! :-) Actually, I found a widget on Grooveshark that allows me to create a playlist, so, I'll embed the widget then explain the songs.

1. Rebirthing by Skillet ~ Anyone who knows me won't be the least bit surprised I picked this song. In fact, the instant I saw this journal topic, this song came to mind. Skillet is my FAVORITE band. Absolute FAVORITE. (A long cry from Amy Grant, my favorite musician for most of my childhood, huh? LOL) And this song is probably (I say probably because they have so many songs I love) my favorite of theirs. As a special treat, I'm going to share the acoustic version this time. Enjoy!

2. Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve ~ LOVE this song. Love it. Again, enjoy!

3. Ocean Floor by Audio Adrenaline ~ Probably my favorite of theirs.

4. Sea of Faces by Kutless ~ An amazing song. They are another of my favorite bands, Kutless is just awesome, too.

5. Word of God Speak by MercyMe ~ Yet another favorite band. Hmm... see? I love music! LOL I actually first heard this song on Kutless' Strong Tower CD. I didn't realize it was a MercyMe song until I got their 10 album. Powerful song.

6. Burden in My Hand by Soundgarden ~ I am a closet Soundgarden fan! LOL I love their stuff. Love it. This is one of my favorites of theirs.

7. Hold My Heart by Tenth Avenue North ~ I loved this song before they put it on the radio! ;-) So good. So very good. Their new song is pretty darn good, too.

8. This is Your Life by Switchfoot ~ Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of Switchfoot on Grooveshark! :-( And, unfortunately, the only version of this song I could find was an instrumental redo by some orchestra. Now, I love orchestras, but words are important ... I uploaded my copy, but it takes awhile for them to process it. So, I'll try to share it maybe for a Tune-In Tuesday post! 

9. Beautiful Day by U2 ~ What's not to like about this song? 

10. Shackled by Vertical Horizon ~ Another song I love, love, LOVE! A different guy is singing, and I just love his voice – for some strange reason. It's more about the sound of the music in this one than what is being said. Anyway, hope you like it!

As you can tell, and if I haven't made it clear at this point, I LOVE music. I couldn't live without it. I recently started doing a weekly Tune-In Tuesday post, and would love to have others join me! :-) So, please do.

And now, I wanna see what music you wanna share! Head on over to Toddler Awesome if you wanna play along!

Tune-In Tuesday #8

Tune-In Tuesday is a weekly meme I started here on Ramblings & More. I love music, and want to share some of my favorites – or whatever I'm currently into – with you. If you wanna join in, please do! Just share your post or your pick in a comment. (If this ever gets more than a few people participating, I'll do a Linky, but right now that's not really necessary.)

1. Your Love is My Drug by Ke$ha ~ I don't listen to any radio stations other than KLOVE and AIR-1, but I saw her perform this on SNL recently, and it's really catchy. I like it. Anyway, here it is (no lyrics for it, as I don't think it's needed):



2. Jungle Boogie by Kool & the Gang ~ My kids love this one, so I wanted to share it because of that. (Again, no lyrics.)

Shuffle and Stuff

I saw this on One-Hip-Mom and couldn't pass it up! Too much fun!

Instructions:

1. Put your iPod or MP3 player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn’t make sense. NO CHEATING PLEASE!

How do you feel today?
I've Been Thinking About You by Londonbeat (hmm...)

What’s your outlook on life?
The Princess Pleads for Wallace from the Braveheart Soundtrack (again I say hmm...)

What does your family think of you?
A Storm Is Coming from the LOTR: Return of the King soundtrack (MAN! Doesn't make me sound good at all! LOL)

What do your friends think of you?
Second Wind by Petra (umm...OK?)

What do your exes think of you?
Jesus Christ Pose by Soundgarden (again, hmm...)

How’s your love life?
My Heart Will Fly by MercyMe (yeah, you could say that. We're in a pretty good place.)

How will your love life be in the future?
Empty by Building 429 (I sure hope not!)

Will you get married?
Earth Invasion by Skillet (I'm not sure how to interpret that. LOL)

Are you good at school?
Christmas at Hogwarts from the Harry Potter soundtrack (I guess I'm good at the breaks?)

Will you be successful?
You Are My King (Amazing Love) by Newsboys (I will be successful in my faith??? That would work for me!)

What song should they play on your birthday?
I Have and Always Will by Dave Barnes & Amy Grant (Sweet, I think.)

The soundtrack of your life?
You're Powerful by Skillet (I'll TAKE it! ;-) )

You and your best friends are?
It Is You by Newsboys (Devoted?)

Happy times:
Road to Glory (Instrumental) by Steve Quinzi (from a Celtic Sampler) (I guess it works)

Sad times:
More Power to Ya by Petra (Encouragement?)

What does next year have in store for me?
Be Good to Yourself by Journey (OK)

What do I say when life gets too hard?
Lonely Man by Audio Adrenaline (perhaps in the right context ...)

What do you want as your career?
Christ of Hope by Michelle Tumes (perhaps to bring the hope of Christ to others?)

Your favorite saying?
Fallen by Evanescence (... and can't get up?)

How will I die?
Rebirthing (acoustic) by Skillet (I don't wanna know ...)