There are certain periods of my life that are completely defined by a certain song or set of music.
For example, I hear Keith Green and am immediately 12 years old, practicing his “Prodigal Son Suite” on the piano for hours each day. I think of being 16 and the songs of Nickel Creek start playing in my mind. I hear “Revive Us Again” and am transported back to the Mennonite cottage meetings we used to attend. Any song from Rascal Flatt’s first cd takes me to the Colorado mountains the summer John proposed to me, just as much as the harmony of Southern Gospel takes me to that last oh-so-hot summer we lived in the desert.
Yes, I know. My music tastes are nothing if not INCREDIBLY VARIED.
If there was a soundtrack for this season we’re currently in, it would probably include almost any song by Casting Crowns or Selah, the songs from what has become commonly known around here as “Angie’s Playlist,” and the medley of songs from my iTunes playlist I call simply “needing God.”
I’ve put some of those songs together in one place here, for my own benefit, as well as in the hope that perhaps someone else could be encouraged by them.
Because when I’m needing God, nothing ministers to my soul more than reading a bit of Ephesians 3… all of Psalm 16… 1 Corinthians 4… and a bit of good Jesus music.
I’d love to hear about the songs that have pulled you through difficult days or the ones that make up the soundtrack of your life. What are your favorites?
LeAnna says:
I love Kari Jobe. Her voice, the music, very anointed worship.
(Not sure how to put a link in a comment, so you'll have to copy and paste…)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2zEmtZS6zk&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t2q0XDDf90&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GijrnfStk&feature=related
Those three are my absolute favorites.
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February 27th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Beth says:
We sing a song at our Bible Study called “Everything.” It’s by Tim Hughes. It is such an encouragement to me, and a great reminder that I need to keep God in all the parts of my life.
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February 27th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Darcy says:
Those are some great songs on your list.
Been thinking and praying for you and your Mama and whole family all day…..
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February 27th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Abby says:
Love your list. Held has been one of those songs for me (it makes me tear up a lot), so has Praise You in This Storm.
My all-time pick me up song is Testify to Love by Avalon.
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February 27th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Deb says:
Ashleigh….I am just heartsick for you all. I will be praying and praying. I hurt for your momma and you but the Lord has really pressed upon my heart a burden for your baby brother. Maybe it’s because I have 2 baby brothers. I just know that this was the time in my brothers lives that they needed their dad more than ever. I pray the Lord will fill the gaps for him and you and your momma.
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February 27th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Katie @ Heart Gone Walking says:
I’m the exact same way when it comes to periods of my life and music. And probably half of Angie’s hits come from me logging on to just listen to the music.
I would say David Crowder, Coldplay, Ray LaMontange, Rich Mullins and a mix my husband made for me in college. Totally not helpful for you though. :)
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February 28th, 2009 at 5:47 am
sarasjourney says:
I’m so sorry to hear this Ashleigh, know that I’m thinking and praying for you and your family.
Sara- formerly Scottishthistle
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February 28th, 2009 at 8:55 am
delightinginhim says:
I like Nickel Creek and Rascal Flatts too, I have a really varied taste of music too.
Just out of curiosity, do you happen to have the first cd of Nickel Creek’s? I have their
2nd (well, a copy of it), I think it’s the self titled cd with songs like, ” The Hands Song”,
“Out of the Woods” “Ode to a Butterfly” etc.
~Jaclynn
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February 28th, 2009 at 10:39 am
Carrie at dumptrucksandteacups says:
mmmm… you have some beautiful music on your list. Another of my favorites is: Sovereign Grace – Valley of Vision
Standing with you in prayer and love,
Carrie
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February 28th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Heather says:
Listening and lifting you in prayer…loving you all
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February 28th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
~~Deby says:
Praying dear one….I think of the old fashioned, so they say:
It is well with my soul
Or Because He lives I can face tomorrow…
ALSO…love…Love song for (from) a Saviour, (Third Day)
and like you..Held…Praise you in the Storm…
or to make it soooo simple…sing Jesus Loves me with your children with all of your heart…
God is always good….HIS ways are always perfect for those who LOVE HIM– Romans 8:28 Cling to that promise for you…
just keeping loving and praying…and you know, those tears ??? Well the Lord has a bottle with them, with your name on it….
Rapture—–Perhaps TODAY
Deby
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March 1st, 2009 at 12:36 am
Elizabeth says:
The song that pulled me through the most difficult days of my life was “Believe Me Now,” by Steven Curtis Chapman. The first time I heard it, it was like hearing God whsiper in my ear, “This hurt won’t last forever. I’m here. I’m not going to leave you alone. Believe me now …” Even now, when I hear it, it is like making eye-contact with God for just a moment.
The old, classic hymns raise my eyes to my Jesus again and again. And when life is hard, I sing “Blessed is Your Name” by Matt Redman.
I’m most into classical music, but “my song” at the moment is also by Steven Curtis Chapman – “Much of You.”
I’m continuing to pray for you, Ashleigh!
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March 1st, 2009 at 4:19 am
joyfullyhis says:
Hehe, I can relate to the varied music tastes. Same here! I love a little bit of this and that and every music group/artist you mentioned, I have heard before and still like to listen to! =D
I think my fav. country group is Rascal Flatts…
And there’s nothing better than Casting Crowns and Selah for worship/CCM.
My top 20 favorites/soundtracks of my life:
Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns.
Keep Singing by MercyMe
Give Me Jesus by Jeremy Camp
Take A Little Time by Jeremy Camp
Empty Me by Jeremy Camp
Sometimes Love by Chris Rice
Make Me Over by Natalie Grant
Held by Natalie Grant
My Redeemer is Faithful and True by Steven Curtis Chapman
Mighty to Save by Laura Story
Faithful to Me by Sara Groves
There is a Reason by Alison Krauss
I Give you to His Heart by Alison Krauss
Get Me Through December by Alison Krauss
Do it Anyway by Martina McBride
SarahBeth by Rascal Flatts
When the Sand Runs Out by Rascal Flatts
The Hand Song by Nickel Creek
You are Loved by Josh Groban
You’re Still You by Josh Groban
Ephesians 3 is my favorite chapter in Ephesians and one that helped me get through last summer and all the stress involved. Knowing that God is able to do above all we ask or think… it gave me faith to hold on and believe in God’s almighty power. I pray it does the same for you all.
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March 2nd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Brittney says:
Whenever I’m going through a difficult time and feeling inadequate and insufficient, a song I’ve known ever since childhood plays over and over in my mind…. Steven Curtis Chapman’s “His Strength is Perfect”
I looked it up on youtube just now and had it playing while I tapped out this comment… shouldn’t have… now I’m fighting tears. ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC_lld_vUCY
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Ashleigh!
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March 3rd, 2009 at 10:51 am
Madeleine says:
First, allow me to humbly tell you, I am so sorry for your walk through this painful and desperate valley.
Cling to HIM.
You all are in our continual prayers.
I will share with you my favorite song sung by my favorite singer.
I have wept at the throne in agony with this song, and I have raise my hands in praise at the self same song. May it bless you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SODks36AdI8&feature=related
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March 4th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Mayhem And Miracles says:
Ashleigh, I am rarely on the computer these days. We also have had many challeging changes taking place. But I did see your request for prayer a few weeks ago. I’ve been hesitant to post a comment because I haven’t been by in so very long, and it’s such a deeply personal trial you’re facing, and because I don’t really know you and don’t want to appear to be a voyeur entertained by your pain. Because that is NOT the case. I just enjoyed when we had more time to comment back and forth and I came to realy like you and your family because I’ve come to view you as humble, kind and sincere according to the words I’ve read on your blog. And then I decided if I would explain these things, you would probably take it the way that it is intended – to let you know that you and your family are thought of with much empathy. That there is one more person hoping for your healing. I know there is absolutely nothing that can be said to make any of it any better or to change the situation, but I decided my thoughts of you are of no benefit to you unless you know they exist. I will be praying……
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March 5th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Natalie Jackson says:
I am listening to your playlist right now. Your family is in my prayers. I am so sorry Ash…
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March 5th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Jen says:
Oooh… my list could go on and on. You and I are a lot alike, it seems :) “Desert Song” by hillsong was big for me last year. “Hungry” by Vinyard, Brooke Frasers c.d’s “What to Do With Daylight” and “Albertine” are A.Ma.Zing.
OH, I can’t think right now. Praying for you, sweetie.
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March 5th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Shari says:
Ashleigh: just dropping a note to let you know I am continuing to pray for your family. Praise the Lord for music that is soothing to our souls! Love you sweet Dear!
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March 5th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Megan says:
I love to read everyone’s music… I love Rita Springer’s “You Are Still Holy”
Kevin doesn’t like it, says she sounds horrible, but I think there’s some sort of desperation and rawness in her voice and the word are so powerful to me. (most of them). I used to hate the word “still”… as if there was ever anything that could make our Lord *not* holy… but I got over that. Anyways, that’s one of my “needing God” songs, especially when I’m going through rough or confusing things. And as always, “Shout to the Lord”. P.S. How are you? I’m glad you are having a nice trip with friends. *hug*
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March 14th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Hollie Powell says:
Josh Groban is one of my favorite classical-pop singer after Hayley Westenra;~”
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June 13th, 2010 at 5:05 am
Summer Lewis says:
Josh Groban and Hayley Westenra should be the perfect couple.-`.
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July 24th, 2010 at 12:32 am