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10 More Inspirational Quotes about Following God’s Will!

As I mentioned in my original 10 Inspirational Quotes about Following God’s Will post, I love collecting words of wisdom! I’m back again with some more to share! Please feel free to add your own favorites in the Comments section! I’d love to read them!

1. Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will. -Eric Metaxas

2. Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly. -St. Francis de Sales

3. For me to be a saint means to be myself. Therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and of discovering my true self. -Thomas Merton

4. There are no ‘ifs’ in God’s world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety – let us pray that we may always know it! -Corrie Ten Boom

5. For each of us, there is only one thing necessary: to fulfill our own destiny, according to God’s will, to be what God wants us to be. -Thomas Merton

6. Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do–then do it with all your strength. -George Washington

7. We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can – namely, surrender our will and fulfill God’s will in us. -St. Teresa of Avila

8. Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire. -St. Catherine of Siena

9. God doesn’t require that you succeed, he only requires that you try. -Mother Teresa

10. We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28

**UPDATE: This post originally assigned the first quote to Dietrich Bonhoeffer in error. It is now corrected to reflect the actual author, Eric Metaxas.

Tags: faith, God, God's will, inspiration, quotes

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Categories God, Faith & Inspiration

How Well Do You Know Your Guardian Angel?

3 May

My fascination with angels began at age 11 when I had a brief supernatural experience at a cousin’s house. I woke up one morning to see two silent, somewhat-transparent figures standing with their backs toward me. One had short brown hair and the other had long blond hair, and they appeared to be wearing white robes. I remember feeling afraid that they would turn around and I just kept chanting, “Please help me God, please help me God.” My cousin, who also saw the figures, darted back under the covers while I remained frozen and stared at them. It wasn’t until I turned on the bedside lamp that they disappeared. I’m not sure if they were ghosts or angels, but I like to think that they were angels!

Since then, I’ve always loved to read any story or watch any show that is about personal encounters with angels! I had a well-worn Guideposts for Kids magazine that was all about angels from cover to cover. My conscious awareness of my guardian angel has come and gone over the years, though, but my passion for angels was recently reignited again! Just as I talked about the importance of the Holy Spirit a few weeks ago, our guardian angels can be powerful aides in helping us do God’s will.

Last week, I listened to a CD titled Angels Explained: What You Should Know About the Nine Choirs by Dr. Mark Miravalle courtesy of Lighthouse Catholic Media. He offered a lot of great information regarding what the Catholic church teaches and what theologians have come to agree upon in regards to angels. There were a few points by Miravalle that really stood out to me. One of which is the following two-minute transcript specifically about guardian angels:

Now, I want you to imagine a civilization of people that are superior in most every way; more intelligent, more strength of will. A higher form of creative excellence in the whole hierarchy of being. And, that God reveals to another group, another civilization of people, i.e. humans, that this higher superior group are given, in large part, to help us, to protect us, to guide us.

Now think of this unfortunate fact. That the lower group, the human group, chooses not to pay any attention to the higher group. That the lower group, for whatever reason, whether it be will or distraction, fundamentally day-by-day, ignores the higher group. How can this be pleasing to God?

Now as we’ll discuss, the lower, in fact the lowest, level of the angels, the ninth choir, from which the vast majority of guardian angels are taken, would have, fundamentally, one angel for every human being that’s ever lived, because angels don’t recycle. So just the lowest choir would have at least equal quantity of all humans from all times. This creature, your guardian angel, who was created at the beginning of time, has waited until this time for you. To guide you, to protect you, to love you, and to begin a relationship, which God-willing, will become a never-ending relationship for the rest of eternity…

We have to tap this God-given gift of spiritual persons. And, I believe in our present age, where there is a raging spiritual battle taking place, that A., God has given special graces to the angels for our times and B., We can only engage those special graces, we can only reap the power of these angels, by our human consent. We have to will it. We have to consent to it.

It’s amazing to really comtemplate that we each have our own protector to guide us along in life, so that we may grow closer to God! And just as with receiving gifts from the Holy Spirit, we have to ask and seek our angel’s help in order to obtain their special graces.

On the Angels Explained CD, Miravalle also shared a beautiful prayer of Consecration from the Opus Sanctorum Angelorum. There is a great line towards the end of The Consecration to the Holy Angels prayer that pleads, “enlighten my mind and my heart so that I may always know and accomplish the will of God.”

So as we pray and strive to use our talents and do God’s will, let’s not forget about our guardian angels who can help us along our journey. All we have to do is ask!

For more information about what the Catholic church teaches about angels, visit Catholic Online or Catholic Answers.

Do you have a special angel story to share? I’d love to hear it!

Update: I’m linking this post up with the Catholic Bloggers Link-up Blitz for May! Be sure to check the other posts out, too!

Tags: angels, faith, God's will, inspiration

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Categories God, Faith & Inspiration

Jenn Bostic Offers Healing Through Music {April’s Dreamer in the Spotlight}

26 Apr

Photography by Michael Ernst

I’m so… excited to introduce this month’s Dreamer in the Spotlight, Jenn Bostic! Hopefully, you are already familiar with her, but if not I know you’ll be one of her newest fans after reading this post and checking out her music!

I met Jenn through my husband, Adam, who has played some shows and writers’ rounds with her over the past couple years. I remember Adam being very impressed that she led all the artists in prayer prior to a show one night. Jenn is a genuine, joyful person with a lot of talent and drive! I know you’ll enjoy getting to know her in the next few paragraphs!

1. A lot of exciting things have been happening for you over the past several months! What is your favorite accomplishment or moment so far?

Wow, that’s a tough question. I feel so incredibly blessed by all that’s been happening. I had the opportunity to headline a tour in the UK & Ireland during February and March, filmed a music video for my new single “Not Yet,” and have continued to see people connect to the music on an overwhelming scale. I think one of the most surreal moments has to be my Grand Ole Opry debut on February 16th. It was the 17th anniversary of my dad’s passing that night and I performed “Jealous of the Angels” in his honor. I was completely humbled to receive a standing ovation that night, it’s something I’ll treasure in my heart forever.

Photography by Michael Ernst

2. “Jealous of the Angels” has been a huge song for you and meaningful to so many people. Can you tell those, who aren’t familiar with your music and background, a little about your motivation for writing this special song?

When I was 10 years old, I was in a car accident that unfortunately took my dad with it. He was my hero, the first person to ever inspire me to play music. I used songwriting as a form of therapy to get through the pain. Fourteen years after the accident I finally managed to put everything I was feeling into one song, called “Jealous of the Angels.” I wrote the song with Nashville songwriters Jimmy Fortune and Zach Runquist. When we were finished I felt this weight lift from my shoulders, thinking I had finally allowed myself some true healing. I had no idea that people were going to connect to the song the way they have. I thought it was too personal. However, to my surprise it has been a beautiful journey of comfort and peace for those who have suffered loss. It is overwhelming to see God working through this song and I feel honored that people have opened their hearts to me.

3. What is in store for you this year? What goals do you have for your music?

This week* I’m very excited to be releasing a brand new music video for “Not Yet,” which is now available in the United States on iTunes. I’m really looking forward to hitting the road and touring my new record “Jealous,” which will be available in the states on June 11th. It has been amazing to see people connecting with the record in the United Kingdom and I am anxious to share it in the US. Of course the ultimate goal would be to win a Grammy someday, but as I have created new relationships with fans who have really been moved by the music, a lot of my goals have shifted from winning awards to seeing healing and inspiration on a larger scale. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens this year!

*Video was released the week of April 14th at time of interview.

Photography by Michael Ernst

4. Do you have any advice to share with those who are trying to pursue their own dreams and overcome obstacles?

Don’t be afraid to share your heart with the world. People can see through the glitter and raw honesty has the ability to touch someone’s heart. When I first moved to Nashville I was trying to fit into a tiny little box that I thought the music industry would want me to be. After a lot of rejection and disappointment, I made the choice to write music that inspires me, regardless of genre, expectations or what everyone around me was doing. I can honestly say that more doors have opened since I made that decision than ever before and I have never been happier. Judy Garland said something that you can find at the beginning of my song “Change,” “Always be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second-rate version of someone else.”

Thanks, Jenn, for inspiring us! Congratulations on all the great stuff you are celebrating now!

Be sure to visit Jenn’s website.
Follow Jenn on Twitter.
Like her on Facebook.

If you want to see Jenn live, she has an online Stageit show this coming Sunday, April 28th, at 2PM CST. Also, Jenn will be performing again at the Grand Ole Opry on June 14th!

Special Shout-out: All of the beautiful photographs featured in this post were taken by Jenn’s husband, Michael Ernst, of Bostic Outdoor Photography! So much talent in one couple!

Tags: Dreamer in the Spotlight, inspiration, Jenn Bostic, music, nashville

Comments 6 Comments
Categories Dreamer in the Spotlight

Words of Wisdom From a Dad to His Future Son-in-Law

12 Apr

When Adam asked my father for his blessing to propose marriage to me, my dad had a little talk with him. From what I’ve been told, that talk included a discussion about what motivates people. My dad told my future husband that people are driven by one of the following:

1. Money
2. Power
3. Sex
4. Faith
5. Fame

My dad told Adam that he believed that my husband-to-be was motivated by faith and gave Adam his permission to marry me. (Thanks, Dad! Good decision!)

Adam and I have come back to this conversation several times when talking about right motivation and the way things are in the world right now. It’s so easy to see that when faith is not someone’s primary motivation, their priorities are out-of-whack, relationships are damaged, and they are ultimately unhappy. I think it can be a very helpful tool to use when making decisions to help us stay on track.

This is also useful when evaluating our goals and dreams. Often, our dreams evolve into something else and take a turn down a different path. We grow and gain new perspectives. We get married… have kids… embrace our vocations, hopefully… Priorities shift and relationships need to be fostered. If faith is our number one motivator, then what matters to God will matter to us!

For Adam and me, the past couple years have consisted of slowly letting go of our old ideals and hopes, and learning to mold them into what God wants for us. It has been such a blessing to be able to see how our desires have aligned with God’s will for us and our family! Nothing that we can come up with on our own could ever be better than what God has in store for us! I can tell you that Adam and I are truly happier than we have ever been, even though our initial plans never materialized, because we are so grateful for each other, our children, and our faith! God is good!

I wish you true joy and peace, as well! I pray that you are open to wherever God is leading you! Have a great weekend!

Tags: dreams, faith, inspiration, motivation

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Categories God, Faith & Inspiration

February’s Bloggers in the Spotlight {7 Quick Takes (#7)}

22 Feb

7 quick takes sm1 7 Quick Takes Friday (vol. 207)

I’m linking back up with the 7 Quick Takes crew at Conversion Diary today! It’s been awhile, so I’m glad to be a part of it again! This is also the fourth Friday of the month, which means it is Dreamer in the Spotlight time! So, once again, I’m combining both to bring my list of seven awesome dreamers – blogger edition!

Since I have focused on the topic of vocations quite a bit this month, I figured that it would be fitting to showcase seven amazing bloggers who inspire me with their dedication to fulfilling their vocations. You probably are aware of some of these blogs already (many are regular 7QT-ers), but hopefully there may be one or two that you aren’t familiar with and can check out! Let’s get started!

1. Humble Handmaid

This blog by Erin Franco is one of my absolute favorites! Her tagline pretty much sums up a big reason why I chose to feature her today – “Writing about my “yes” to God’s plan for my life, one late night blogging session at a time.” As a mother in my twenties myself, I can relate to a lot of what Erin discusses. I love the honesty of her posts about trying to be a good parent, wife, and Catholic. Erin’s passion for her beautiful family is evident all over her blog! If you are a young wife/mother and don’t already follow her, DO IT – NOW!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

2. Moxie Wife

First, I have a confession to make! I haven’t read Hallie Lord’s book Style, Sex, and Substance yet! It is on my to-read list for this year, though! I love how Hallie writes as if she’s a friend just filling you in on a great new product she found or linking you to an amazing article, in addition to sharing great advice about being a good wife and encouraging your husband! This is a lovely blog that embraces married life as the vocation that it is!

3. Biltrix

Obviously, blogs are a great way to evangelize and Biltrix is one of the best sites that I have found that does this very thing! The authors- James Stone, Fr. Jason Smith, Fr. Jose LaBoy, and Fr. Joseph Tham- use Catholic teaching and a little bit of humor to shed light on current events and enhance awareness of a variety of topics. Be sure to check out their blog to find out what a Biltrix is!

4. Life Happens When

This convicting, joy-filled blog is courtesy of former English teacher, wife, and mother of two, Leanne Willen. She is also a regular 7 Quick Takes participant! Just like Humble Handmaid, I stumbled upon this blog on Catholicmom.com when she wrote a contributing post that I connected with. She is another woman that I feel I can greatly relate to, since our kiddos are about the same ages! Leanne is frequently challenging herself and others to step outside their comfort zones and enjoy the blessings in life, especially family. I had the privilege of guest posting on Leanne’s blog back in November!

5. The Veil of Chastity

Okay, all you single ladies (repeat and sing it in your head, “all you single ladies”) out there! This blog is for you! Soon-to-be-published author of The Veil, Cindy, blogs about the vocation of single-hood and chastity. (And, also participates frequently in 7 Quick Takes.) She states on the sidebar of her blog, “I pray this blog provides wisdom and hope for single girls!” Cindy did not get married until the age of 38, so she can relate to all the single Catholics out there who are hoping to find that special someone! There is a lot of truth in this blog and it is definitely worth checking out!

6. Captive the Heart

For those single ladies mentioned above who are about to get married, this blog is your next stop! Stephanie Calis, also a contributing author at Ignitum Today, shares great ideas for wedding fashion, receptions, and ceremonies. She also writes wonderful spiritual reflections, and- bonus- I just love her joyful attitude that comes out in her writing! 7QT-ers will probably be familiar with this blog already, but if you are not, be sure to click on her site!

7. Conversion Diary

So, I have to give a big nod to Jennifer Fulwiler, who hosts 7 Quick Takes each Friday! For those reading this who aren’t already aware, she is an atheist-to-Catholic convert and somehow finds time to write, speak, blog for the National Catholic Register, manage a household of five kids (with one more on the way), and, oh yeah, star in a reality show! How does she do it all?! And with such a great sense of humor?! Thanks, Jennifer, for giving all of us Catholic bloggers a place to connect and support each other! (All episodes of her show are now available via her website!)

Of course, there are many more blogs out there that I would love to highlight, so I’m sure a Part II and Part III will be coming in the future. As usual, if you know of someone that should be featured in my Dreamer in the Spotlight series or if you’d like to write a guest post to share your own inspirational story, please contact me!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Who’s your favorite inspirational blogger?

Tags: blogs, faith, inspiration, vocation

Comments 12 Comments
Categories Dreamer in the Spotlight, God, Faith & Inspiration

The Greatest Vocation of All!

15 Feb

I ran across the above quote last weekend and had to share it! It expands perfectly on my post about vocations from last Friday! It’s also timely, considering yesterday was St. Valentine’s Day – a day all about LOVE!

For the Year of Faith, I signed up for the daily e-newsletter, Read the Catechism in a Year, and Day 122 held this amazing paragraph by Jeff Pinyan.

If the Church was a body composed of different members, it couldn’t lack the noblest of all; it must have a Heart, and a Heart BURNING WITH LOVE. And I realized that this love alone was the true motive force which enabled the other members to Church to act; if it ceased to function, the Apostles would forget to preach the gospel, the Martyrs would refuse to shed their blood. LOVE, IN FACT, IS THE VOCATION WHICH INCLUDES ALL OTHERS; IT’S A UNIVERSE OF IT’S OWN, COMPRISING ALL TIME AND SPACE – IT’S ETERNAL!

In addition to reading this last Saturday, I heard a visiting Franciscan priest speak about this same topic at Mass on Sunday. He emphasized respecting others as the way to show love.

No matter who we are or what job we have, we are all called to love one another. Sometimes we get caught up in finding our passion and the right career, but no matter how old or young, rich or poor, etc., we can always make it a priority to show love through our everyday actions and treatment of others.

Have a great weekend full of love, everyone!

Above background image courtesy of Phaitoon/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tags: faith, God's will, inspiration, love, vocation

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Categories God, Faith & Inspiration

Embracing Our Vocations: The Key to Joy

8 Feb

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sometimes pursuing dreams can be selfish.

We may be so focused on achieving what we want to accomplish so that we can make more money, be recognized, feel valued, etc., that we risk damaging relationships and destroying our faith.

So, how do we know when our dreams are good or when they are detrimental to us or others? I think the answer comes when we take a look at what it means to have a vocation.

The past few days especially, I have been thinking about this quite a bit. It’s been a consistent topic of conversation between my husband and me as we navigate what God is calling us to do. And guess what? I received a newsletter from DynamicCatholic.com this past Saturday with a special message from Matthew Kelly regarding this exact thing. Here is what he wrote:

The Peace and Joy of Unique Ability

A few nights ago my little girl, Isabel, came into my office at home after her bath. With a huge smile, she walked over, grabbed my phone, held it to her ear, and said, “Call me, daddy!” I played along for a few minutes and then she came over, got up into my lap, buried her head in my chest and gave me a big hug. It was one of those times when I was able to be completely in the moment… and I was happy.

If I think back a few years, I was not so happy. I wasn’t unhappy. I loved my work, but something was missing. I didn’t have the deep peace and joy I have today. What was missing? Vocation. We talk a lot about it, but too often our talk is sterile and dispassionate. But vocation really is a thing of beauty. It is that thing that helps us make sense of everything. It is the feeling of finally being at home in our own lives. It is that place where your unique ability explodes usefully. It is the thing of great worth.

It also requires tremendous work.

How are you doing with your vocation? This Lent, I would like to encourage you to either search more rigorously for your vocation or give your vocation another look and recommit to it. Take it to the next level.

The world and the Church need more people who love life and live it with passion and purpose. Vocation animates us – brings us to life. Vocation fills us with a peace and joy that is immeasurable if we embrace and dedicate ourselves to our call.

Pretty powerful stuff! Being an involved parent and spouse requires a lot of sacrifice, but it is also extremely fulfilling! This is exactly why my husband Adam tells people that he is the happiest that he’s ever been! I’m sure the same can be said for anyone who has responded to God’s call for their life. This is where we find our purpose, passion, and as Matthew Kelly stated, “peace and joy.”

Maybe, though, you are still saying “What is a vocation or how do I know what my vocation is?” I did a quick little Google search to find a definition and stumbled upon the website Vocation.com. While it is geared to those contemplating religious life, I found a great little article worth sharing titled, Is it a vocation or a job or a profession? Below are a few paragraphs…

[…] when we use the word vocation we introduce a vertical dimension into our life, especially into our thinking process and decisions, since the point of reference when we talk about vocation is God’s will – what we believe he is calling us to do with our life, the purpose for which he created us as it relates to the salvation of our own soul and the salvation of others. So a vocation is not something you switch out of on a whim, since it is not something you go into lightly. In following a vocation the main question is: What does God want? and not: What do I prefer? So it would be a major mistake to approach a vocation to the priestly or consecrated life, or to marriage, thinking only of ourselves and not being willing to commit ourselves to it, “for better or for worse” because we know God wants us to see it through.

And so, if there is ever a conflict between our profession and our vocation, it is always the vocation that has to win. A married person who knows that a career opportunity that opens up to him will most probably destroy his marriage must opt for his marriage vocation even if the price is his career. A baptized doctor who risks losing his license if he refuses to do certain immoral procedures will follow his Christian vocation and even at the cost of his medical career. A priest who is a great success in a particular field of ministry and is asked by his bishop to serve in a different area must follow his priestly vocation which includes obedience to his bishop, rather than his “success” in a particular field.

I think the key when evaluating our dreams, is to always be sure that our aspirations are under the umbrella of our vocation. Just as the article above mentions, if our goals are at the expense of living out our vocation, then they must be abandoned or reconstructed.

For us personally, the re-working of goals is why many of you may have been wondering why Adam’s website isn’t up yet or why we haven’t been promoting any new songs. In addition to a lack of ample time, we have been going through a process of identifying priorities, finding nuggets of truth and wisdom, and assessing how everything fits in with our vocation of helping each other get to heaven and raising holy children. I firmly believe that God wants to use Adam’s musical talents to reach people, but just how that all is going to happen is still in the works! I have already seen how much grace and peace he has given us especially in the past year, so even though the road ahead is a mystery, I have no doubt that we are on the right path.

When we stop trying to do things our own way and embrace God’s plan for our life, we will find true joy that is unattainable anywhere else!

Tags: dreams, DynamicCatholic, faith, God's will, inspiration, joy, Matthew Kelly, music, vocation

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Categories God, Faith & Inspiration

Revisiting 2012’s Most Popular Posts

11 Jan

Now that 2012 has come to a close, it’s fun to look back at all that happened last year. Here are my top five most popular posts from the past year. Did you catch all of them?!

5. Renewed Hope: God Speaks Through a New Friend

This post discussed one of those little a-ha moments for Adam along his journey this past year. Be sure to keep checking back at least monthly for updates as he discovers what God is asking of him in regards to his music.

4. August’s Dreamers in the Spotlight

I was so excited when I found out about Dignitas Magazine last summer! Then, I was able to interview the founders of the magazine for this blog! How awesome! Thanks again, Abby and Catherine!

3. 7 Quick Takes #2: Dreamer in the Spotlight Edition!

So many inspirational people in one post! And quite a variety!

2. 7 Quick Takes #3

Half-way through 2012, I set some simple goals for myself regarding the blogging world. I began posting weekly, following other blogs on a regular basis, and I started participating in a link-up on occasion which has allowed me to get to know so many great Catholics via the blogosphere! This was one of those posts.

1. 10 Inspirational Quotes about Following God’s Will

Words can be so powerful! I love coming across great words of wisdom. This post includes some of my favorites so far! Apparently, other people like words of wisdom, too!

Can’t wait to see what God has in store this year! What are you looking forward to in 2013?

Tags: inspiration, top posts

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Categories Miscellaneous

A Randomly Chosen Winner? {Matthew West – December’s Dreamer in the Spotlight}

21 Dec

There are times in life when you just know that God is trying to show you something, and what I’m about to describe is one of those moments…

Last Tuesday, Adam and I were blessed to be able to enjoy an intimate mid-day performance in downtown Nashville by Matthew West that will air on SiriusXM’s The Message. (Thanks to my supervisor for letting me have a late, extended lunch!) While the concert itself was amazing (and I will talk about it more in a little bit), the story of getting the opportunity to go is pretty awesome, as well, so I’ll start at the beginning…

Over the Thanksgiving weekend we spent time at my parents’ house. I heard my dad showing Adam the latest Matthew West CD, Into the Light, that he recently bought. (I was familiar with Matthew West’s background and some of his music already, but not a dedicated fan – yet!) We started discussing how he is the type of artist that Adam aspires to be and it would be neat if he could meet with him over lunch or whatever to ask him some questions and get some insight into how he balances family and music, etc. About a week later, my dad emails me details about an opportunity to randomly win two tickets to an in-studio performance by Matthew West in Nashville. Without giving it much thought, and noting that the timing was too perfect to be a coincidence, I entered the contest. A few days later I received an email that I was one of the winners! I really wasn’t surprised that I won, because I sensed that God was trying to speak to us, especially Adam, through Matthew. (I later found out that even my dad wasn’t surprised, because after I told him I entered the contest, he decided he didn’t need to enter it anymore!) Let me just note, that if it wasn’t for my dad getting Matthew West’s CD and showing it to Adam just a week prior, he probably would not have alerted me about the contest!

So back to the SiriusXM performance at the Bridgestone Arena… There was only about 40-50 people in this small room above the Visitor’s Center, and I’m sure each person that day was supposed to be there for a reason. (That’s the great thing about Matthew West’s concerts – I don’t see how anyone can leave and not be affected and changed in some way.) Adam said that he could feel the Holy Spirit in the room, and I definitely agree!

For those who aren’t familiar with Matthew West, his past two albums have consisted of songs written about some of the heart-breaking personal experiences he has received in over 20,000 letters. Each of his songs is about a specific individual and what God’s response would be to offer hope and healing. To listen to the songs and read these stories, check out Matthew West’s website. He has found a way to make his music career not about himself, but about encouraging others! How refreshing and inspirational! It’s something that Adam has really struggled with lately when thinking about his future music plans. He does not want to do music for his own sake, for money, or for fame. Adam wants to use his music to make a difference and he doesn’t want to promote himself just to try to gain more fans.

Adam said that this is the first time he has listened to live music without focusing on whether or not the singer hit the right notes or if the right part was played. He went to the performance totally open to listen with his heart. I can’t tell you how many times Adam gave me this look of, “Are you serious? Is he reading my mind? This is crazy!” Matthew also had his daughter, Lulu, there with him. Like us, he has two little girls, so that’s just another reason Adam feels he can relate to him. During the interview portion of the show, Matthew was asked if it was hard to be on the road when his girls were so young. Matthew stated that he struggled with it a lot and wondered if it was really God’s will to pursue his ministry while leaving his family at home. He said that God has provided ways for things to work out, and now they are able to home-school their girls so his family can be on the road with him when he goes on tour. This is one of those times when Adam looked at me with eyes that said, “Wow, this guy is totally like who I want to be! What is God trying to tell me?!” Adam has talked often, recently, about wondering if God would want him to be away from the girls and our family to pursue music.

After this amazing performance that will be airing at some point on The Message (Keep an ear out, those of you who have SiriusXM!), we all got to do a little meet-and-greet with Matthew and he signed free CD’s!! Adam is still processing everything that happened in that hour-and-a-half on a Tuesday afternoon! God was definitely speaking and we’ll be keeping everyone updated on the next steps!

Please check out Matthew West’s music! He’s bringing truth and hope to people in a real way! Artists like him should be supported! I know that he has at least two new devoted fans in Tennessee!

Merry Christmas and see you back at A Dreamer’s Wife in 2013! I’ll leave all you dreamers with the lyrics to Matthew West’s song, Do Something!

Verse 1:
I woke up this morning
Saw a world full of trouble now
Thought, how’d we ever get so far down
How’s it ever gonna turn around

So I turned my eyes to Heaven
I thought, “God, why don’t You do something?”
Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of
People living in poverty

Children sold into slavery
The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, “God, why don’t You do something?”

He said, “I did, I created you”

Chorus:
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it’s time for us to do something
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
It’s not enough to do nothing
It’s time for us to do something

Verse 2:
I’m so tired of talking
About how we are God’s hands and feet
But it’s easier to say than to be
Live like angels of apathy who tell ourselves
It’s alright, “somebody else will do something”

Well, I don’t know about you
But I’m sick and tired of life with no desire
I don’t want a flame, I want a fire
I wanna be the one who stands up and says,
“I’m gonna do something”

Chorus:
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it’s time for us to do something (yes, it is)
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
It’s not enough to do nothing
It’s time for us to do something

Bridge:
We are the salt of the earth
We are a city on a hill (shine shine, shine shine)
But we’re never gonna change the world
By standing still
No we won’t stand still (x3)

Chorus:
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it’s time for us to do something
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
It’s not enough to do nothing
It’s time for us to do something

It’s time for us to do something (x2)

Read more: http://artists.letssingit.com/matthew-west-lyrics-do-something-mdw36nq#ixzz2FhDtRCYs
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