And now Russia! Song of the Day included.

Hi all!  Well, I have finally passed the drama of the ridiculous flight schedule and i am now on my final approach for my trip to Russia.  I depart Chicago in less than 12 hours from posting.  I hope to take a lot of pictures and see if I can post some on here. 

Here is the next Song of the Day.  This one is by Iyaz, called "Replay."  Yes, this song was one of the overplayed popular songs of the past 3 months.  But it has since fallen by the wayside, as many things do in our drug culture infused music industry.  The thing in this song that piqued my interest is that this is actually a relatively wholesome love song!  He has the intention of marriage, he does things for her and is willing to sacrifice, and even has periods of doubt that make this song a human portrayal of love in a fine form.  The only issue I take with this song is the name "Shorty" that he has for his beloved.  I have no problem with nicknames, but this was a derogatory term used toward women.  How can he think that it is okay for him to pass this off as something nonchalant?  This objectifying term, and indeed his tone throughout the song, give the impression that this is all done for his benefit and his infatuation.

This song has been in my head lately because of a personal issue I have.  I have feelings for a beautiful, young woman.  But these feelings are unrequited and have brought out my poetic side.  I look forward to the hope that the possibility of marriage is still there.  However, I will have to keep these feelings bottled up until either she seems that she would be receptive of my advances, or until I finally do something stupid and go down in a blaze of glory. : /  

Anywho, here is a little something to tide you over until I can get on next.  It is by a Latvian-born Russian pop star.  His name is Vitas and has a range that would make most opera singers jealous.  I present "The Star."  A translation of the lyrics are included under the video.

So many times I asked myself
What for I was born into this world and grew up
And why the clouds float and rains pour
You shouldn't expect anything for yourself in this world

I would fly up to the clouds but I have no wings
That starlight lures me from afar
But it's hard to reach the star though the goal is close at hand
And I don't know if I 'll have enough strength for the throw

I'll wait just a little bit more
And then will get ready for my journey


Towards the Dream and Hope
Oh my star, please don't burn out, just wait!

How many paths do I have to go by?
How many peaks should I conquer to find my own self?
How long should I keep falling from the cliff?
How many times should I start from the beginning and is there any sense to it?

I'll wait just a little bit more
And then will get ready for my journey
Towards the Dream and Hope
Oh my star, please don't burn out, just waït!

Song of the Day x2: Sorry! :(

Hi all!  I was so busy today that I totally forgot to upload a song. So, I will give you two times the fun and post two songs. 

Here is the first selection.  This song is "Lucy" by Skillet.  This song is about a loss that cannot be recovered.  Going through some similar things, I can relate with this song.  My heart breaks every time I hear this song.  I realize how much can be lost with one stupid decision and how much will never be regained.  I hope that you will be just as touched with this song as I am.

Here is number two!  This song is by Mikeschair named "Someone Worth Dying For."  This song gives me hope and reminds me that we are not worthless.  We are worth the death of Christ.  We are only worth this because of His sacrifice.  His cross has paid the penalty and our lives are no longer forfeit, but belong to him.  I hope you enjoy.  See you all later. Packing for Moscow, TI

Song of the Day: "Crucified with Christ" - Phillips, Craig, and Dean

Hi all!  I am currently prepping for my trip to Moscow, Russia.  In this day I was reminded that we are bound to Christ in everything that he accomplished for us, including his death.  This song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean calls for the listener to remember that you share in his sacrifice and that his cross calls for our continued commitment.  We must persevere as saints.  This is a great song that I would love to do one day in our men's quartet at school.  Well, time for more packing.  God Bless, and I hope to post a few things when I am either in Moscow or when I get back.  See you Then, TI.

Song of the Day: "God Gave Me You" - Dave Barnes

Here it is (a little late, sorry!) Today's installment of Song of the Day is "God Gave Me You" by David Barnes.  While this song is explicitly about a significant other, I have tried to apply it in other ways.  Primarily due to the fact that I have no significant other, I have tried to apply this to friends.  This song is a great reminder that God places people in your life for a reason.  Every person that is a true friend will follow you through the ups and downs of life.  So, for all of my friends: Thank You.

Song of the Day: "The Older I Get" - Skillet

Another day, another song.  The selection for today is by Skillet.  Skillet is a Christian Crossover band that has produced some really good music for a few years now.  This song is "The Older I Get."  It is a song that has been running through my mind for a long time.  The song speaks about a relationship that broke up due to lack of communication and miscommunication.  Oh let the irony ring.  The song asks the question "Do you believe, time heals all wounds?"  This is a question that I have been asking myself for a few months.  I still don't know if it is possible.  My mind doesn't like to let go of things. :)  Well, I;ll have a new one for you tomorrow.  See ya then, TI

Song of the Day: When a Heart Breaks - Ben Rector

Hi all.

The second installment of Song of the Day is Ben Rector's "When a Heart Breaks."  This song is one that has been in my mind for a long time.  I love the sad melody in this song and it reminds me of many things that have happened.  The only problem I have with the song is the line "You don't need Jesus, 'til you're here."  While I know that is not true, it gives me pause to think, "When do we truly engage our God?"  This past semester at school, I have truly known what it means to be in the valley of the shadow of death.  This line has a bite of truth in it where many people don't truly appreciate God unless he is helping us.  It is our deepest periods of humility, where all we can do is cry to the Lord in anguish, that bring us to the feet of our Father.  While that shouldn't be our prime motivator, it too often is. 

Well, I have to go, but I have many more songs where these came from.  Talk to y'all later.

New Feature: Song of the Day

Hi Everyone!  Since music plays such a big part of my life, I will be posting a new song everyday.  These songs can reflect my mood, what I am thinking about, or somewhere I want to be.  Eventually this may become song of the week, but there is so much good music out there it would only be due to a shortage of time that the cut back would occur.  So, without further ado I present the first song of my Song of the Day selections.

In my first Song of the Day I pay tribute to one of my favorite artists: Mark Hogan!  Mark is a good friend of mine and a member of our men's singing group, Vocal 4titude.  This song is a cover of "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You" by Elvis Presley.

Mark has an excellent tenor voice.  For nothing but a guitar and a voice(well, for anything in that case), Mark does an astounding job.  While the cover is not a crystalline, finished product, it is an amazing testament to what the man can do. 

I have had a lot on my mind, including a particular woman who shall remain nameless.  This is yet another reason why this song has hit home today.  From the gangland of the south suburbs, TI.