Song Fest Friday!

So after listening to a lot of great worship music today, I decided to begin a new tradition on my blog... Song Fest Friday :) Didn't see that coming did ya....? Oh... did the post title give it away...oh well. Anyways every Friday I am gonna post 3 songs that have impacted me during the week...perhaps there will be small accompanying captions...but who are we kidding most likely not. :) So enjoy and go worship God! He's awesome!

I love this song. Especially one line near the end. Make me tear up every time. "For all my sorrows and regret nothing could compare to just this one. That in the presence of my king I cannot fall upon my knees, I cannot carry You up to your throne; You instead, will carry me back home." I just how it illustrates our total dependence and need for Christ...we are completely unable to save ourselves. Only He can save us.

As some of you know "Be still and know that I am God" is one of my favorite Scriptures, and this song is so beautiful and I love how he repeats over and over "be still and know....be still and know....." I listened to it on repeat today like 10 times. Really helps focus your mind on God and his glory!

one last song... :) I love this song! It is a song of praising and extolling God and acknowledging His presence. I especially like to sing it on those days where I'm not feeling His love or when I feel distant. Such a good reminder that now matter what my circumstances or feelings may be the truth is that God is always there and always worthy of praise!

Hope you enjoy these and they speak to you somehow! See ya soon :)

Livin' The Good Life In Mada =)

Hello one and all! Just wanted to give you an update on things here in Madagascar! Since my last post things have gotten better and better. I am really starting to get into a rhythm here. =) My classes (against all odds) have actually been going very well! Shocking I know. It's weird because I have always said I am not a good teacher etc...but I am finding that actually when I have a good lesson plan I am really thriving. I love interacting with my students etc. So that has been a huge blessing. All praise to God for pulling off this minor miracle of turning me (slowly but surely into a teacher).

Another praise is a singing opportunity that has come my way! Super excited about this one. One of the young women who works at the CFCA (where I assist with ESL training) has become a very good friend. Her name is Odile. She has a fabulous voice and is currently recording an album. A couple months ago she asked if I would be willing to record a song with her on her album. I of course agreed!! =) This week we learned the words (it's in Malagasy) and the melody. It is great! It is called Fitia Tsy Manam-Petra which means love without limit. It is about God's love for us. Really neat! So that is super exciting. She would like to also, if she gets the necessary funds to do a short music video to the song.

And then this week She and Toki (the musician slash song writer for the album) who are in a Malagasy/Norweigian Choir "NorMal Gospel" invited me to join their group. They sing in many different venues all around. My first time singing with them will be this coming Saturday...so I have to learn six Malagasy songs tomorrow when Odile come to teach me. Please be praying that I can pick it up quick! =)

Another praise would be my growing friendship with Odile. She is such a sweetheart! A huge heart for the Lord and for people. And funny as can be! She is really a blessing to me.

So many great things happening. I am loving life here in Mada. God is faithful!

Oh and this morning we had English Church (meeting at Amy and Ryan's house with Karin and listening to a sermon podcast). The sermon really touched me. It spoke about how God showed how he loves us in the story of Hosea and Gomer. Wow! What an unbelievable image! It really made me want to study the book of Hosea in my quiet times...and so I'm gonna :)
         
God is gracious! God is faithful! God is love! What an Awesome God!

Thank you for your prayers! Please continue them! =)

Please be praying for my friend Nina's young son who was in a very bad accident and injured his leg pretty severely. Be praying against infection, for a speedy recovery and for energy and peace for Nina and her family!

Pray that I will continue to find new ways to serve here.

Pray that my passion for God will intensify!

Praise God for all He has done!