Someone I met in Ireland added me as a friend on Facebook this evening and the memories of my trip to Mallow in August 2010 (some pictures) came back.  What a great trip with lasting memories.  Although our group had numerous, wonderful experiences with the people and the church with whom we ministered, I also had a chance to listen to some music.  Anytime I embark on a journey, whether long or short, I download new music.  One of the CD’s I downloaded was Hillsong Live‘s 2010 release, A Beautiful Exchange (iTunes link).  If you enjoy worship music, this is a MUST HAVE.  My favorite song on the album is Forever Reign (live).  I especially love the chorus in this song:

Oh, I’m running to Your arms,
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign

The title song, A Beautiful Exchange, also has some incredible lyrics:

Trading your life
For my offenses
For my redemption
You carried all the blame

Breaking the curse
Of our condition
Perfection took our place

This album never gets old.  If you received an iTunes gift card for Christmas, you need to get this album.  I believe it will become your favorite.  A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Live is my pick for Best Album of 2010.

What was your favorite album of 2010?

I mentioned before that I have really enjoyed the newest Afters release, Light Up The Sky.  Yesterday, I came across the video that they released with the title song off of that CD.  The video told a great story so I thought I would share it with you.  I have also included the lyrics.

When I’m feeling all alone
With so far to go
The signs are no where on this road
Guiding me home
When the night is closing in
Is falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close?

(Chorus)
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me You are with me
I I I can’t deny
No I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes
So I can see You all around me
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me
That You are with me

When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don’t feel them shining
When I can’t see You beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I’ve almost reached the end
Like a flood You’re rushing in
Your love is rushing in

(Chorus)

So I run straight into Your arms
You’re the bright and morning sun
To show Your love there’s nothing You won’t do

(Chorus)

That You are with me
That You are with me

I’ve been listening to the new release from The Afters called Light Up the Sky.  In the song entitled “Start Over,” there are a couple words worth repeating.  Maybe you need to read this today.

“You only fail if you never try.  You never live trying not to die.”

I have always been a huge lover of music and I would consider myself extremely broad in my music tastes.  I can usually tolerate anything but country or screamo bands.  Country makes me cringe and screamo just scares me.  Through the years my music tastes have changed and you probably will not find me banging my head to Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit or one of the other anthems of the grunge era.  Currently, I keep a steady diet of worship music.  Hillsong is one of favorites right now because they seem to write inspirational songs which are closely tied to Scripture.  While I was studying in my office yesterday morning, one of Hillsong’s older songs began playing on my Pandora radio.  As I was listening to the words, my heart was overwhelmed by the truth in the song “Made Me Glad.”  Some of the words come straight out of Psalm 18.  I was so encouraged by the beauty of the song and the power of the words that I thought I would share it with you.  I have included the YouTube video of the song as performed by Hillsong.  I hope the words impact you!  After watching the video, take some time to leave a comment and tell me your favorite worship song/artist. I am always interested in expanding my music library.

I will bless the Lord forever
I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
He has set my feet upon a rock
I will not be moved
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong tower
My very present help in time of need

Whom have I in heaven but You
There’s none I desire beside You
You have made me glad
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong tower
My very present help in time of need

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength.  The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.  He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety” (Psalm 18:1-2)