The Lion King

Recently, Grace, Michael, Shantel and I went to see "The Lion King" in 3D! This is one of my very favorite Disney movies ever. I remember seeing it in the theater when it was first release and there is just something about it, the story, the music, the graphics... that made me emotional. It had been years since I saw it and I have to say, I felt just as emotional. (Yes, crazy, I know... it's a cartoon. I kept telling Shantel, I think I am going to cry! I actually did have a few tears.) And it was absolutely INCREDIBLE in 3D!!!!!! Seeing the Pride Lands with that much depth was absolutely stunning!!! And hearing the music in stereo. Wow. What an experience. I absolutely love the chanting in the beginning of the song "Circle of Life", and I wondered what they were saying and in what language. My best friend, Google, shared with me that it's in the Africian language of Zulu and translates as the following (along with the rest of the lyrics) and the YouTube video to watch the amazing scene (too bad you can't see it in 3D!).



Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba (Here comes a lion, Father)
Sithi uhm ingonyama (Oh yes, it's a lion)

Nants ingonyama bagithi baba (Here comes a lion, Father)
Sithi uhhmm ingonyama (Oh yes, it's a lion)
Ingonyama (He is a lion)

Siyo Nqoba (A lion we're going to conquer)
Ingonyama (He is a lion)
Ingonyama nengw' enamabala (A lion and a leopard come to this open place)

[Chant repeats]

From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round

It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life

It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life

The Light In Me

Anyone who knows me, knows that music is a huge part of my life. It speaks to me in huge ways and in ways that nothing else can. And it's usually music that speaks to me the most about God's love for me. Lately though, I haven't been inspired by many of the new songs on the radio... until I heard Brandon Heath's new song "The Light In Me". I think it was the melody that first stirred something in my heart, but once I really listened to the words, I found God speaking to me and it is just I needed to turn that flame back up in my heart. Lately my faith has been feeling just lukewarm.... and, slowly but surely, it's catching on fire again.

Side note: I saw Brandon Heath in concert in May... and let me tell you, he sounds just as good in concert as he does on his albums and in his videos! It was a huge blessing to hear him, along with Natalie Grant and Mercy Me, in concert. I'd definitely go see him again.


My life before You
I was a flame burning down
I was burning out

But You knew me better
For You there was never a doubt
God, since You gave me life
Something was different, I knew it the instant
You put the light in me

The spark, the shot to the heart
You are the hope that leads me out of the dark
You let Your love shine down
So that the world could see
You put the light in me

The light, You put the light in me
The light, You put the light in me
The light, You put the light in me
The light, You put the light in me

You are the Maker, you tell the sun when yo rise
I'm just a house on a hill
But You make me brighter than all the stars in the sky
Keep me from growing down

'Cause in Your perfection, I'm just a reflection
So pull me closer to You
I catch like a fire and I'll hold You higher
'Cause You put the light in me

The spark, the shot to the heart
You are the hope that leads me out of the dark
You let Your love shine down
So that the world could see
You put the light in me

The light, You put the light in me
The light, You put the light in me
The light, You put the light in me
The light, You put the light in me

I'll raise it high, I'll let it show
From the rooftops down to the streets below
In day and night, You will be known
And all will see
You put the light in me
'Cause You put the light in me

The spark, the shot to the heart
You are the hope that leads me out of the dark
You let Your love shine down
So that the world could see
You put the light in me

The light, You put the light in me
The light, You put the light in me
The light, You put the light in me
The light, You put the light in me

Mercy Me Concert

Once again, Mercy Me performed an amazing concert! My friend Lori and I have been waiting for two years for Mercy Me to come back to Grand Rapids! This time, Mercy Me had Natalie Grant and Brandon Heath join them... both performed amazingly as well!!!
Natalie Grant


Brandon Heath


Mercy Me

(Photo taken 8.18.10 - Sixth Street Park, Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan)

The Twenty-First Time by Monk & Neagle

Nowhere to live
Nowhere to fall
He used to have money
But he’s wasted it all
His face is a photograph burned in mind
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

He sleeps under stars, it’s all he can afford
His blanket’s an old coat he’s had since the war
He stands on the corner of Carter and Vine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

He may be a drifter who’s grown old and gray
But what if it’s Jesus and I walk away
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see him for the twenty-first time

She’s 29 but she feels 48
She can’t raise three kids on minimum wage
She’s crying in back of the welfare line
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

She may be a stranger trying to get through the day
But what if it’s Jesus and I walk away
I say I’m the body and drink of the wine
But I pretend not to see her for the twenty-first time

This is a call for a change in my heart
I realize that I’ve not been doing my part
When I needed a Savior, I found it in Him
He gave to me, now I’ll give back to them

Drifter or stranger, daughter or son
I’ll look for Jesus in everyone
‘Cause I am the body and drink of the wine
And I’m thankful there’s more than the twenty-first time

Daily Devotion - Glorious Day by Casting Crowns

Casting Crowns is amazing.... a ministry so huge! So huge that I can't even imagine how many people have been saved through their music! This song is right up there with the very best of their music! And another huge reminder just what Jesus did for us! The lyrics (especially the chorus) makes me emotional. I just know that when I get those chills and warm feelings that the Holy Spirit is working in me!

"LIVING HE LOVED ME
DYING HE SAVED ME
BURIED HE CARRIED MY SINS FAR AWAY
RISING HE JUSITIFIED FREELY FOREVER
ONE DAY HE'S COMING
OH GLORIOUS DAY"



And I just found this!! Casting Crown's lists on their website all of the scripture associated with a song! This is what they have listed for just THIS song... wow! I can't wait to look these up in my Bible while listening to this song!

John 1:1 / John 1:14 / John 2:11 / Isaiah 40:5 / Isaiah 7:14 / Luke 1:26-38 / Ephesians 5:2 / John 3:16 / 1 John 3:16 / 1 John 4:9 / Romans 5:9 / 1 Corinthians 6:10-11 / Psalm 103:12 / Matthew 26:28 / Ephesians 1:7 / Colossians 1:13-14,19-20 / Psalm 49:15 / Galatians 4:4 / Philippians 2:8 / Acts 2:23 / Romans 6:4 / 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 / Colossians 2:12-15 / Isaiah 53:6 / 1 Peter 2:24 / Matthew 28:1-10 / Revelations 1:18 / Revelations 22:12 / Revelations 22:20