// how can it be? //

For Kathryn's birthday, we were able to go to an open mic night at a cafe near where we live. We had a few songs prepared and did them(you can see clips on Instagram if you follow either of us there) then later on were able to each do another song.  And, since I had a track on our iPod, I chose this one.

'How Can it Be?' is just one of those songs, you know? The first time I heard it was kind of a fluke- I never listen to the radio, and if I do it's NPR for morning classical or Saturday opera. But for whatever reason I was waiting in the car and just turned to K-Love(I think) and heard this husky powerhouse voice belting this song. This was a while back so younger, music snobbier me was inclined not to like it- but it had something. The words just sort of pushed at me, and I jotted them down to look it up later. Since that day, I've come to absolutely love this song, and Lauren's voice for that matter. The words are so powerful, so personal and so true. However, in the original key I can't sing it. Recently I came across this high karaoke track and I was so thrilled!

One of my (and my sisters) dreams is to be able to perform and record CCM songs in popera style. There are so many out there that have such incredible messages, and recorded in a different style they could potentially reach even more people. Plus this is just how I was made to sing. Getting to perform this live and sort of off the bat was exhilarating, I have to say. I don't know what God has planned for me with a music career, if anything, but I was so blessed to be able to sing this amazing song, and I hope you enjoy it too!! Sorry about the poor audio quality- iPod camera, karaoke track and background noise can only be fixed so much :) Feel free to download if you should happen to want to.

So, what do you think of the popera/CCM idea? Do you know any CCM (or other songs) that you think could be covered classically? I'd love to take a listen, I love finding new music! Please let me know in the comments!!

(p.s. If they were Christians(praying- does anyone else pray for their favorite singers etc?? curious) Il Volo could cover this song and literally blow up the planet, just saying.)

// as Christ loves the Church //

// The knowledge that Christ loves us, longs after us, in the highest, purest and most complete of ways, should be a comfort to any lonely soul. His is not a love tainted with carnal desire and feelings, as even the best of earthly loves must inevitably be. His is the perfection to which ours must point. In His very heart He longs for our souls and wishes for us to be brought into His Bride, enough so that He would humble Himself utterly and then die and rise again. So that He might buy us to Himself. - h.d. //

Have you ever stopped to just consider that?? I wrote it during Church on Sunday, and I have to say that although I knew it already, it really sank in in a new way as I was thinking on it. 

Let's be honest- I think most young women struggle with feelings of loneliness once in a while. Tell me I'm not way out there! We were created that way, after all. It's not wrong to dream and long for a hopeful future! But I myself know that I need to get past letting that consume my thoughts or getting me down. We can't help but think about wanting a husband, a home- we are women, it's just part of us. But(I'm speaking for and to myself here) we can't let it become a discontent, or impure thought process. And it gets that way fast, no? 

But, when you think about the fact that, for real, Jesus really does, in a way have the same desire to win us that a man(hopefully) someday will, and even more. Because He doesn't want just an earthly wife, He wants our souls in His Eternal Bride!!! 

Ephesians 5:25-33

That just helped me when it struck me, because lately I've been(I shall admit it) been feeling a little... lonely. Not because I am lonely, I have my family, my best friend-sister, and other friends and church family. But just a wistful lonesomeness for that someone that I've never met. You know? (It actually bothers me at the same time, because I also can be a bit of a feminist from time to time, and so feeling that way irritates me on two levels...) 

But really allowing the truth that Jesus' love is truly all I need and trying to comprehend it's greatness has helped a lot. So next time I start feeling that way(because, yes, I know it will happen) I'm going to try to remember this. I hope that it can maybe be a little help if you ever feel the same!!!

all images via pinterest

(by the way, did yesterday's video work?? it didn't show in my email browser. Click through and watch it if that is the case for you because it is worth it!! Also happy birthday to L.M. Montgomery!! Ah her short stories- hm, now that I think about it I think I have some left on my kindle that I haven't read...)

Salvation is Incredible

Sometimes by the Grace of God, I am able to step back & realize-

Salvation is Incredible.

Through Christ, my sins are taken away-

Salvation is Incredible.

I am given the ability to live for God-

Salvation is Incredible

I am given the ability to share Him with the world-

Salvation is Incredible

Anyone who will believe in Christ alone can be saved-

Salvation is Incredible

God is willing to adopt the rebels of His World-

Salvation is Incredible

God is willing to accept ME-

Salvation is Incredible.

Salvation is Incredible.

Salvation is Incredible...