Agnus Dei

Agnus Dei translated means Lamb of God and is first used in the New Testament - John 1:29, 36

Webster defines Agnus Dei as:

1: a liturgical prayer addressed to Christ as Savior
2: an image of a lamb often with a halo and a banner and cross used as a symbol of Christ


When I first heard this song I was awestruck by its beauty; its ability to elevate my spirit and its worshipfulness. This song seems to be played often at Christmas - but I could listen to it throughout the year.

This song is 10 minutes long, but in heaven, that's all we'll be doing - singing Hallelujah all day and it will seem like nothing.


Listen to this sound and be transported to a heavenly mode.

What other songs do you like to hear at Christmas?

It Ain't Over!

"It ain't over until God says over; it ain't over until God says it's done.  Keep fighting until the victory is won."

This song has gotten me through so many runs because when I think of the goodness, power, majesty, mercy of God and all of His other attributes, combined with a catchy melody I am able to run farther and faster. This song combined with other Gospel songs is the reason why I look forward to running - the music literally moves me and I feel like I am worshipping God as I run. I am worshipping God as I run. Running this Christian race will make you better; a better person yielding more spiritual fruit.

I didn't intend to become a runner, but
"Something Happens" to me when I hear the name of Jesus.

As I'm "Encouraging Myself", I reflect on scripture on where I am and where He's brought me from.

As I "Work It Out" physically, I see the correlation spiritually.

These songs are all over 5 minutes and some are as long as 7 minutes; that's a worthwhile goal - completing a mile before 2 songs are over.

Before you know it, you'll find yourself soaring spiritually and physically. Or maybe that's just me.

Here are some of my other favorites from my Pandora station:

• I Got The Victory - Tye Tribbett
• Jesus Can Work it out - various gospel artists
• The Blessing of Abraham - Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers
• The Presence of The Lord is Here - Byron Cage
• We Lift Our Hands In the Sanctuary - Kurt Carr
• Lord, You are Good (live) - Israel Houghton
• Faithful is our God - Hezekiah Walker
• I will Bless The Lord (live) - Byron cage. 
• I'm Grateful (the reprise) - Hezekiah Walker
• Praise Him In Advance - Marvin Sapp. 
• I Smile - Kirk Franklin

"It Ain't Over"

I know the odds look stacked against you

And it seems there's no way out

I know the issue seems unchangeable

And that there's no reason to shout

But the impossible is God's chance

To work a miracle, a miracle

So just know

It ain't over until God says it's over

It ain't over until God says it's done

It ain't over until God says it's over

Keep fighting until your victory is won

He never said it would be easy

But you're a winner in the end

Jesus defeated all your enemies

Way before the fight began

But the impossible is God's chance

To work a miracle, a miracle

So just know

It ain't over until God says it's over

It ain't over until God says it's done

It ain't over until God says it's over

Keep fighting until your victory is won

When people say you can't, remember

(He can, He will)

When you don't know what you're gonna do,

Please remember

(He has the master plan)

He will free you from your sin

And give you peace within

So you better hold your head up high

You're gonna win

(You're gonna win)

It ain't over until God says it's over

It ain't over until God says it's done

It ain't over until God says it's over

Keep fighting until your victory is won

Keep fighting, keep praying, keep fasting

It ain't over, no

Keep pressing, progressing, keep moving

It ain't over, no

Keep reading, interceding, keep believing

It ain't over, no

Keep trusting, keep trying, keep travailing

It ain't over, no

Keep living, keep giving, keep going

It ain't over, no

Keep fighting until your victory is won

Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 [NLT]

How does music help you? 

Singing Without Hearing

Source

Apparently, it's very hard to sing and sing well without hearing the music. This musician does not know how she does it, but she does, and will continue to do so until she can't.

Reading this article in today's newspaper, just made me smile.

I hope it does the same for you.

"Why would God give me a gift only to take it away?" He (her father) had no answer except to say there must be a different path ahead for her.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 [NLT]
We don't always know the why, but we can still figure out the how.

What's That You Have In Your Hand?

This is what God said to Moses (Exodus 4:2) to demonstrate that he can use anything to show his Godness, His power, and His sovereignty. Moses was hesitant to do the task he was being called to, and God just wanted to let him know that he was not alone; that with Him, Moses could do what he was being called to do. We all know the story of Moses, how he led the Israelites out of Egypt. He's hailed as a hero but he started off very timid and got bolder as he saw how God worked. God doesn't need much to accomplish his purpose.
This song encapsulates what God can do with a little.

That's When He Steps In - by Alvin Slaughter

When we have a work to do

And the task ahead seems bigger than you

That's when He steps in

When you know in your heart that 

God's command takes more than can be done by man

That's when He steps in

He sees you at the point of your need

He sees you at the point of crossing your Red Sea

In the moment you call

When you've given your all

He steps in, He steps in

And He'll say

What's that you have in your hand

I can use it, if you're willing to lose it

Take the little you have and make it grand

I am El Shaddai and I'll more than supply your need

When all you have is oil in a jar

That's a reflection of where you are

That's when He steps in

A little boy's lunch of fish and bread

Is all you have for the need ahead

That's when He steps in

Let Him take it and bless it and break it and give it

He'll multiply it in the moment you live it

And in the moment you call

When you've given your all

He steps in, He steps in

And He'll say

What's that you have in your hand

I can use it, if you're willing to lose it

Take the little you have and make it grand

I am El Shaddai and I'll more than supply your need

(Repeat Chorus)


Are you willing to be used or are you hesitant like Moses? Is there something in your hand that God can use?

Something Happens

As humans, when we hear or say someone's name we automatically think of their attributes. So hopefully, when my children hear my name they automatically smile, or when I hear my husband's name I automatically feel supported. You can have the opposite feelings about a person's name also.

But when you say Jesus - something happens that's supernatural. I can't totally explain it because it's supernatural but for me I feel secure, forgiven, loved, transformed, peaceful and so much more.

This song has been a blessing to me since I heard it on Saturday.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

What happens when you call Jesus?

Random Thoughts

A Funny
My real name is Andree and apparently it creates issues for many. They don't know how to pronounce it and how to spell it. Funnily enough I thought it would be easier than my other name, which I why I started going by this name.
Anyhow, as you know I've moved and have made some friends. Yesterday I was at Track practice with the Little One and decided to work out. I caught up with a friend (let's call her M) who had recently had a baby and a group of us women were standing around chatting and admiring the baby. A guy walks up and starts talking to M. Out of the blue she makes a sweeping gesture and says, "And this is Andree," really emphasizing my name.  He then walks away. I turned to one of the other ladies and said, "Was that M's husband?" she said yes, and then M says - "He thought you were Andre and wanted to know why I was texting a guy name Andre; I was making it clear that you were Andree, a female." I wondered why I got the special introduction.
So apparently my name is causing marital discord!

A Song that Always Make Me Think
This song was sung by the Youth Choir at our old church; I was convicted listening to it, I often wondered if any of the singers were.

Hopefully your name is not causing problems in other's relationships and you're living in a way that pleases God.

The Worshipper in Me.......MORE

I recently heard this song at a gospel concert that was put on by USC's Gospel Choir -  SBG (Saved By Grace), of which my daughter is a member.  The words moved me, but even more, the soloist was amazing. If you read this blog for any length of time, you know that  my word for this year was MORE. I never thought I would find a song that encapsulates all that wanting MORE entails. 

The song sums up all of the angst associated with MORE, and where I am right now.  Enjoy!

(Intro)

I give you more 

So much more 

Ooooh Ooh 

So much more 

Your deserving of more 

- Ad Lip -

(Lead)

Ooh the worshiper in me wants to be free 

From the cares of life that seem to weigh me down. 

Yes the worshiper in me needs consistency

To lift my hands and give you praise when no ones around. 

Ooh the worshiper in me wants to break free 

From the intellectual mentality 

Like when I should be up, I’m sitting in my seat

I should be lifting my hands, giving you praise, and gloryyyyyy 

Ehhh I-IIII should be giving you more 

Moreeee (run)

I should be giving you more

*Group*

Oh the worshiper in me wants to be free -(Just wants to be free)-

From the cares of life that seem to weigh me down. -(From the cares of life that seem to weigh me down)-

Oh the worshiper in me needs consistency -( I want to be consistanttt )- 

To lift my hands and give you praise when no ones around -(Lift my hands to give you praise yeaahh yeah)- 

Oh the worshiper in me wants to break free -(From the intellectual Oooh)- 

From this intellectual mentality -(Right when I should be Uhh Oooh)- 

When I should be up, I’m sitting in my seat -( I should be lifting my hands yee-yeah)- 

I should be lifting my hands, giving you praise, and glorryyyy . -(Everytime I get a chance, I wanna give my best to you)

*Chorus* 2x

I wanna give my best to you,

I wanna do what you ask me to,

I wanna go wherever you say,

Just say the words and I’ll obey, 

I wanna live a life thats real,

I wanna serve you Lord foreal,

For you deserve all this and More,

So I give you More 

More-Or

So I give you more 

More-Or

*Vamp* 16x

(You deserving of more) 

*You deserving of more* 

(Ad Lip) 

*you deserving of more*

(Bridge) 24x

-(Ad Lip) 

I Give You More

(Outro) 3x

I surrender all 

I surrender all

All to thee my blessed Saviour 

I surrender all

Have you ever heard this song? Did it bless you as much as it did me? What song is on repeat for you right now? 

On a Lighter Note.........

I am married to a sentimental sap (this is a good thing), who loves music.  Recently he celebrated a major milestone so he was given the gift of music. We got him a record player, so that he can play records from his collection.

I'd never heard of Tavares until he played this song for me - Words and Music:

You see, he's not very vocal, but he said - "Come on, I want to play this song for you."

Sometimes, I don't know how much I mean to him or I'm deluded by my emotions and moods but then he plays this song and I'm ecstatic. It just goes to show, we can't live by our emotions.

True love...makes me ecstatic!

I hope you are the words and the music to someone special.

On My Mind

• In the past two days in the LA Times they have been 2 research articles where race is a main factor. To summarize, according to the research - whites are outliving blacks, but the gap is narrowing and black girls don't benefit from exercise as much as their white peers.
• Exercise benefits black girls less than whites, study shows
• Life expectancy gap narrows between blacks, whites

• Last month I read a book called Fast Times in Palestine - I think many of us in this country don't have a true understanding of the Arab/Israeli conflict.  The gripping narrative focuses not only on violence, terror, and social and political upheavals but also on the daily rounds of house parties, concerts, barbecues, weddings, jokes, harvests, and romantic drama that happen in between. Its seamless blend of travelogue, memoir, and narrative journalism ramps the average American up to a sophisticated, multi-faceted understanding of the Israel/Palestine conflict. This book was a personal account of the author's time  in Palestine; I highly recommend it.

• And then this paragraph from the op-ed section in this article today: "Now once again Israel is faced with two options: Continue to exist as a Jewish state while controlling the Palestinians through military force and racist laws, or undertake a deep transformation into a real democracy where Israelis and Palestinians live as equals in a shared state, their shared homeland. For Israelis and Palestinians alike, the latter path promises a bright future."

• Reading the Bible as a family is such a stress reliever. No discussion is necessary, just read a chapter and let it speak to you.

• Some of my best blog posts were never written but left as comments on a provocative post.

• 50 Shades of Grey is all the rage, but I won't be joining the party.  I don't typically judge a book by it's cover, but having read similar types of books in the past, at this stage of the game I'd rather keep my mind pure.

• Don't go through life alone - cling to someone bigger than you - Jesus.

• Finally, today is National Running Day - I hope you got your run in.

• June is Black Music Month - On June 7, 1979, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the month of June as Black Music Month after tireless lobbying from Kenny Gamble of legendary songwriting team Gamble & Huff. Now that's something to celebrate! 

I had to do a brain dump - too much things on my mind. What's on your mind?

Great Music - Love Songs

My husband is a music afficianado and has been playing these beautiful songs for me, which I've never heard. I have an ear to ear smile!

Enjoy...









Have you ever heard these? What's your favorite love song?