A Place of Healing...

This is a little something I wrote a few months back when I was going through a hard time and just needed to believe that healing was possible. I needed to remember the only place that healing can come from is in the arms of Jesus. And no matter how long it takes I’m determined to wait till I see healing and hope come to life in me and in those around me.

I need your healing balm for my cracked and broken soul. Need a safe haven of rest. Need to know you’re covering me with your wings, your umbrella of hope.

Your love is a refuge, a feather bed …

and I’ve been told I can breathe again in this place.

I can let go.

All the answers to my questions, I no longer need to know…

they don’t matter anymore.

I’m gonna wait till I see it with my eyes.

Wait till I feel it in my heart.

Wait to leap for joy with my legs.

You are the fire that’s gonna burn up this place.

 

© Krystal Celeste

Review for "Finger Painting" EP by The Ember Days

Rock/worship band, The Ember Days, recently released their 5 song Ep,"Finger Painting", on Come&Live!. I first discovered this band, who hails from New Zealand, when they were opening for Showbread in the summer of 2008. Standing in the front row of Fuel Cafe in Humble,Tx, I was so taken by their music. The way they fused the rock element with worshipful lyrics, their often ethereal sound (somewhat reminiscent of Eisley), and the beautiful voice of singer/keyboardist, Janell Belcher. Needless to say, I've been hooked ever since. I purchased the "Finger Painting" EP a couple weeks ago and was surprised to find that it's primarily an instrumental, with only two songs containing vocals. But it turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. Their live show features a lot instrumental parts so this seems like an extension of that. I read somewhere that they recorded this EP with the idea of it being used in people's prayer and worship time with God. And it feels perfect for that!

It opens with the instrumental entitled, "Hope". The song starts with a soft guitar riff, the tempo picks up with a pounding drum in the background. The dynamic sound of this song is a perfect way to start this EP, it makes you feel that something special is happening here. In the song "It Is Well", we get to hear some of Janell's lovely vocals, as well as Jason Belcher's soft background vocals. At first I thought this was a remake of the old hymn "It Is Well With My Soul", but it's actually an original, just using the words "It is well with my soul" in the chorus. This song has a very worshipful feel to it. "Rest" is another beautiful instrumental. Ethereal and flowing in sound, it's one of the most peaceful songs on the EP. I loved the addition of Janell's voice in the background softly singing/humming.

Title track,"Finger Painting", starts with a soft acoustic guitar. This instrumental is almost 11 minutes in length, but is too pretty to get tired of, so it works. The instrumentation in this song sounds very rich and layered. Acoustic guitar, piano, pounding percussion, and what sounds like the cello in the background. This one feels epic to me and truly held my attention the whole way through. The EP closes with "Simple Song". The name fits the simplistic lyric of this song of praise, "Simple song. Singing hallelujah. Simple song. Grace to the one who loves us". A group vocal towards the end compliments it well with the worshipful lyrics, "Hallelujah/we praise you/hallelujah". It's a simple yet beautiful worship song, what better way to end this EP?

The Ember Days, which is made up of; Jason Belcher (vocals/guitar), Janell Belcher (vocals/keys), Jordan MacKenzie (drums), Logan MacKenzie (guitar) and Jedediah Lachman (bass), are a rare find in the way they are fusing creative rock music and passionate worship, and are doing it so well. But even more than that, they have a heart to see people worship God, a heart to see people have an encounter with God. And that truly comes through in their music. "Finger Painting" released on the somewhat new artist community called, Come&Live!, which gives fans the option of purchasing the EP or downloading it for free. So be sure to not miss out on these great songs!

For more info on The Ember Days go to: http://www.myspace.com/theemberdays

To purchase "Finger Painting" EP, or to download for free, Click Here

Second Hand Dream

This is a lyric about ignoring the truth and settling for way less than we deserve. We so often forfeit God’s perfect will in favor of our own way. In essence we’re making ourselves the God of our lives when we do this. It prevents Him from working in our lives and giving us the beautiful blessings he has for us. I wrote this about someone very dear to me. It has been heartbreaking for me to have to stand on the sidelines while this person has slowly drifted away from the truth, and has lost who they really are in the process…someone they wouldn’t even recognize if they were thinking clearly. This person has value and worth and should respect themselves more. So I wrote this about how God’s perfect will is the best place to live…anything and everything else is only an imposter of the best, only second best.

Second Hand Dream

You know the truth but are not wanting to face it. Instead of owning up you'd rather close your eyes and embrace it. Robbed blind by bittersweet kisses and little white lies. Now you're way past walking the line.

{Chorus}
Oh you've been here before, said goodbye once, now you've gone back for more. Desperately trying to hold onto both worlds but you're losing your grip. You're smarter than this. It isn't what it may seem. So sick of waiting that you end up settling for a second hand dream. Second hand dream.

Falling head first into the same mistake. Expecting different results for these choices you make. Changed so much, not the same person you used to be. It's like I don't even know you, and you don't know me. So disconnected from the truth, you've lost so much, you've lost you.

{Repeat Chorus}

With your head stuck in the clouds you can't see this is less than what you wanted, less than what you need. Threw yourself in the dirt to search for your destiny. But is it you or God who's writing your story?

{Repeat Chorus 2x}

(C) Krystal Celeste

 

"Then you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and well-being your ruler." - Isaiah 60:16-17 (New International Version)

Halloween Treats & Traditions!

Halloween holds such special memories for me! While it was never my favorite holiday; I always found it to be so much fun and still to this day, it's hard for me not to feel like a kid again when it comes around. Aside from the fun of trick or treating; our family has a special Halloween tradition that was actually passed down from our great grandmother.

Every Halloween, since my sister and I were kids, almost all of our extended family would get together at my grandparents house and we'd pass out candy while enjoying:  sandwiches (tuna...which I really don't like but you can't buck tradition...I have chicken salad ;),  chips and dip, popcorn balls, and my dad's green punch.

Though now it's just my parents, sister, and I, we still do it up right just for old time’s sake. I mean, let’s face it; my great grandmother did this, my grandma did it, and now my dad still does it...more than likely my kids will know this odd tradition too lol ;P.

So I wanted to share a few recipes that are a part of our tradition, hope you enjoy! Happy Halloween! :)  

Butterfinger & M&M Popcorn Balls

Ingredients:
6 cups popped popcorn
3 (2. 1-oz) Nestle Butterfingers candy bars, chopped
Large bag of mini M&M's
1/4 cup butter
3 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

Directions:
Combine popcorn, chopped Butterfingers, and mini M&M's in large bowl. Melt butter over low heat, add in marshmallows, stir constantly until melted and smooth. Pour over popcorn mixture and quickly toss until well coated.

Spray your hands with cooking spray and form popcorn mixture into six 3-inch balls. Wrap individual popcorn balls in Saran Wrap or in cellophane.

Green Slime Punch

Ingredients:
2 pkg. Lime Kool-aid
1 bottle Ginger Ale
Lime Sherbet ice cream 

Directions:
Make Lime Kool-aid according to package directions, pour into punch bowl. Mix in bottle of Ginger Ale. Using ice cream scoop; add in Lime Sherbet to fill the bowl. Serve!

Brownie Pizza

(Recipe found @ http://southernfood.about.com/od/halloween/r/blhw2h9.htm)

Ingredients:
1 package brownie mix (21-ounce)
2 tablespoons flour
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup candy coated peanut butter candies
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup butterscotch ice cream topping

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine brownie mix, flour, water, oil, and egg. Beat with a wooden spoon for about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread batter in the pan and sprinkle with the candy coated peanut butter candies.

Bake for about 18 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove and immediately sprinkle with marshmallows. Cool for 15 to 20 minutes then drizzle with caramel or butterscotch ice cream topping. Slice into wedges when cool.

  

Guest Blog on Blooming Paris!

Hey friends! My friend and fellow blogger, Jenn Zuniga, asked me to be a guest on her blog, Blooming Paris! Every month Jenn writes a feature called “My Paris Secrets”, where she shares a list of 5 things that she loves, and that promote feeling beautiful from the inside out. I love this idea and have been enjoying reading Jenn’s lists. So I was really excited when she asked me if I would like to share a list of my own this month! I had a lot of fun compiling my list…in fact it was hard to keep it at just 5 lol. ;) I hope you guys will check out My Paris Secrets here! Also, be sure to check out Jenn’s beautiful and inspiring blog, Blooming Paris! :) 

Interview with artist, Miss Angie

I’m so excited to share an interview with you guys from an artist that my sister and I have loved ever since we were kids. When we were young we bought a tape by a new artist named, Miss Angie! We thought she was the coolest gal with her energetic rock music, unique fashion, and her love for God. After a couple albums, she took a hiatus from music that left us fans to wonder where she had gone. Well now Miss Angie is back on the scene making creative rock music once again! We all missed her music and are excited to have her back! Angie Turner (aka Miss Angie) was kind enough to chat with us about her return to music, new album, and her life. We want to thank her for sharing this with us! Hope you guys enjoy! :)

TW: Well first off I have to tell you for years we would talk about how much we loved and missed your music! I think it was the question on so many Christian music fans' minds, "Where's Miss Angie?" After the 1999 release of your album, "Triumphantine" you seemed to disappear off the scene. Why did you decide to take a hiatus from music?

Miss Angie: I took a break from recording because I was creatively tired, uninspired and wanted to live new and different experiences.  I wanted to be a stay at home mom and house wife for a bit instead of running all over the country like a rockstar. :) I volunteered as a CASA for the local foster children and did some manual labor (like being the cleaning lady at my Aunts ranch)...eventually ended up working at a interior design firm then went to work full time in my family business as contractors (which I still do). I adopted a baby girl from Guatemala and have raised her..she is now 6.

TW: Can't tell you how excited we were to hear that you're making music again! What prompted your return to music and how does it feel to be back? 

Miss Angie: I started writing music again 3 years ago at the piano..just worshiping and singing. Thought it would be fun to demo and have been doing so for 3 years. I am happy to be creating music again that praises the LORD. I'm having so much fun in the studio and am very grateful to get to put out another cd.

TW: We hear you're actually getting ready to release a new album, can you tell us a little about it? What was it like being in the studio again writing and recording for this album?

Miss Angie: The new album is titled "Time and Space" which is the first song on the cd and the only song we shot a video for. This collection of songs is more synth and organ and piano driven..definitely has a pop feel to it though. I wrote about God's faithfulness to me, eternity with Him, and a song called "Lovestealer" about my ex husband and how I wanna not feel the burn from all our bad choices and move on.

TW: We love the honesty of the song "Not Enough". Can you tell us the meaning and story behind this song?

Miss Angie: Not Enough bty has a cool techno remix at the end of the record done by Paradoxx. I wrote that song after being in a dating relationship with a friend. I didn't feel like God's hand was on it but I wanted it to work so bad...but it wasn't enough in the long run sooo we broke up and moved on and I want God's very best plan for both of us.

TW: The song "Salvation" is so beautiful and worshipful! What inspired you to write it?

Miss Angie: I actually started writing that song 10 years ago right after "Triumphantine". I waited ten years to finish it..haha. I like it cause it's minor keys and it has a swing to it. I love declaring God's goodness in that fashion. :)

TW: You have always had such a cool and unique style about you, which influenced us so much as kids. We wanted to wear that blue poofy dress and stars under our eyes too (my sister did wear the star stickers & credits you for most of her style today:)! We would be remiss not to ask where your style came from. What influenced your style and how has it changed over the years?

Miss Angie: My style...a creative randomness! I'm glad to hear you girls like it..how funny! You should check out my new video ..I'm sporting a garder over my jeans..which is very old fashioned and rocknroll all the same. :)

TW: Can you tell us a little about your testimony, how you came to know the Lord? Did you grow up in a Christian family?

Miss Angie: I did grow up with Christian parents. Started reading the Bible myself at 16 and loved the Truth of it. When God revealed the truth of forgiveness and His Son I responded and believed Him...He has been making me new ever since...

TW: When did you start singing and writing songs? How did you start recording music professionally?

Miss Angie: Started writing songs as I learned to play the piano around age 16. My dad is a songwriter too so I think that gave me a goal to write. I made a demo and my dad helped me get it to industry people in Nashville. It was all very much over my head..and still is..I just like to play music..hehe

TW: What influences and inspires your songwriting?

Miss Angie: God has given me gifts of melody and song...it's fun to express them on the piano and in the studio. Sometimes lyrics and melody will come real quick and other times I have to spend alot of time on them..I get inspired from from all kinds of things...one of the songs on my new record is called Intermission(make the connect)..I took a line that my pastor said at church and made a song. Other times it's feelings, or a book, or just musings in my soul, but definitely a Biblical world view when I do write and sing. Thanks for caring. :)

Remember to be on the lookout for Miss Angie's new album, "Time and Space", set to be released this month!

www.missangie.net
www.myspace.com/missangieturner

Head on over to www.myspace.com/thewaking to keep up with more artist interviews, reviews, blogs, & more!

My thoughts on "The Organic God" by Margaret Feinberg

"Surely I'm not the only person who lies in bed at night wondering, Is this all there is? I can't be the only one who looks at the seemingly rich buffet of everything this world has to offer and loses my appetite, because even with countless provisions, friends, and activities - many of which are not only good but could be classified as godly - I can't shake the sense that there's something more. The hunger growls that there's more of God not only to uncover but to discover."

With that quote at the beginning of "The Organic God" by author, Margaret Feinberg, I right away felt my heart connect with that message. I too desperately desire something more than I see in this world, a desire to know more of God than I do now, to have a living-breathing relationship with him that touches every area of my life. And that's exactly what Margaret passionately shares in this book. My sister actually bought this book a year ago. The beautiful cover and interesting title was intriguing to both of us. I quickly stole it from her, immediately started reading, and fell in love with it! But for some reason, I put it down and got distracted from finishing it. It wasn't till just a couple weeks ago that I started reading through the whole book again, and it's funny, I almost feel like it has spoken to me in stronger way now than it did a year ago. The truth in this book just seemed to jump off the pages and come alive to me.

Through personal stories and scripture, Margaret talks about how we can find a deeper relationship with God that is free from the pollution of this world. A relationship with God that is organic - natural, pure, essential - as Margaret describes it in the book. Free from our preconceived notions, attitudes, and biases, and know the One true God of the Bible. Each chapter in the book is about different attributes of God that Margaret has experienced. Attributes such as bighearted, breathtakingly beautiful, amazingly wise, surprisingly talkative, wildly infallible, outrageously generous, unbelievably stubborn, abundantly kind, and deeply mysterious. As Margaret saw these characteristics of God at work in her life, she began to discover a God who was so real, and more involved in her life than she had realized. "I can't help but reflect on my own spiritual journey and wonder how much of God I really know and how much of God I simply take other people's word for or dismiss altogether. If God is bighearted, then why am I tempted to live with a closed hand? If God is surprisingly talkative, then why don't I take more time to listen? If God is deeply mysterious, then why do I sometimes lose the intrigue?"

Margaret is also such a great storyteller! I loved reading stories about her life and the way she has seen God's amazing provision at work. About the way she started hearing him speak to her, stepping out in faith and obeying him. As well as the things she's learned on her journey. She shares a story about how she was very insecure when it came to witnessing to people, how she would fumble her words, and never quite knew what to say. She was speaking to a friend of hers who is a pastor and he told her when he witnesses to people he only asks one very simple yet profound question, what do you love about Jesus? Margaret said that question took her breath away. She talks about how she loves the beauty of Jesus. And at the end of the chapter, poses this question to us by saying, "...I have one question I can't not ask you, what do you love about Jesus? I have no agenda, except one. I promise." There is even a page at the beginning of the book where you can write your answer to that question and pass the book along to someone else.

A nice addition at the end of the book is reflection questions that correlate with each chapter. Which would be ideal for small groups who want to read the book together. Also, Margaret provides a sound track for each chapter! With songs from artists like U2, Derek Webb, Sara Groves, and Coldplay.

I feel like "The Organic God" helped me discover something that I've been hungry for. Just reading how she has experienced God gave me a renewed excitement in my heart to see him move in my life like that. I just felt a passion rise up in me to discover more and more of who he really is. Margaret's passion for the Bible - the way she talks about it in such a living breathing way - is truly contagious. It makes you want to dive deeper in the pages of the word. I felt inspired to be more aware of God's presence. To keep my ears listening for his voice and my eyes open to his fingerprints in my life. This book truly feels like a journey, a journey of discovering that there's so much more to God than we can even begin to comprehend ... he is after all deeply mysterious.

To purchase "The Organic God" Click Here

For more info on Margaret Feinberg go to: www.margaretfeinberg.com