tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638881679040007262023-07-11T05:35:22.528-07:00Uplifting Pop SongsPopular Music with Good Messages to Heal our Society and WorldGreghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01398897769702411090noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-52832169430452415032011-01-10T11:08:00.000-08:002011-01-10T11:17:49.073-08:00The Most Important Thing About Love...This poetic piece of advice does not come from a song, but I feel it was too good (and too rare) to pass up. Somehow, somewhere along our society developed the belief that love is a flitting, finicky butterfly that lands on the fortunate for but a moment, and then flies away again. We teach our children that every princess has a perfect prince out there somewhere that will swoop in someday to knock them off their feet and take away all of their troubles for the rest of their life. Our perception of love has made many of us remain as selfish, entitlement-demanding adolescents when it comes to relationships and intimacy. <br />
<br />
Don't believe me? Observe the portrayal of love in most of our songs, books, and movies. We extremely disproportionately emphasize the infatuation stage, omit much of the adjustment and reconciliation stages, and pretty much completely fail to explain what keeps love going strong in relationships that thrive for decades. We idolize unstable, immature relationships focused solely on sexual attraction and emotional infatuation. Our real appreciation should go to those couples that take that initial emotional high (a drug-like euphoria that psychologists say lasts about only a year) and nurture it into the deep and abiding love that truly lasts a life time. Such a love not only sustains the couple in all their needs, but also the children that it creates.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/19/fashion/weddings/19vows.html?_r=1"><i>The New York Times </i></a>recently displayed all that is wrong with our society's view of love as they praised a couple that met and "fell in love" at their children's school and left their respective spouses to marry each other in the pursuit of "love." (There was no mention of marital problems with their original spouses.) Fortunately, most of the <i>Times</i>' readers are more wise then the reporting journalist: most of the article's comments lambasted the couple and the newspaper for their actions. Leaving your spouse and kids for another woman or man just because they make your heart twitter again is the epitome of selfishness. Approximately one-half of marriages today end in divorce, and those who don't get married have a much worse chance of remaining in a steady relationship. What do you think this sharp increase in broken homes has done to us? To our children?<br />
<br />
More than ever, we need to learn what love really is, and what it takes to sustain and grow it.<br />
<blockquote><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000FA91?ie=UTF8&tag=pitcperfpubl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00000FA91" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="51h8WbQWH8L._SL110_.jpg" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=pitcperfpubl-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00000FA91" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000FA91?ie=UTF8&tag=pitcperfpubl-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00000FA91">Chaos Theory</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b> "The Most Important Thing About Love," from Chaos Theory<br />
<br />
</b><br />
Ever heard of chaos theory, Ed? It's a science, tries to determine underlying patterns in chaotic systems like weather, ocean currents, blood flow sort of things. But it turns out that are few things more chaotic than the beat of a human heart. Its beating up, slowing down. Pretty face, flirty stares. It's always changing on what's happening to ourselves out there. It's an erratic S.O.B. But underneath all of that bump-da-bump mess, there is in fact a pattern, the truth, and it's love. The most important thing about love is that we choose to give it, and we choose to receive it. Making it the least random act in the entire universe. It transcends blood, it transcends betrayal and all the dirt and makes us human. If you can figure that out, the Jake Lee's in the world got nothing on you. </blockquote><b><b><br />
</b></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-48927960117022279472010-11-02T23:31:00.000-07:002010-11-02T23:35:04.028-07:00"The Reason" by HoobastankIf you have ever tried to be really good, you quickly are brought to the realization that you are not perfect. Despite your best efforts, you fall short of your ideal. We all stumble and hurt the ones we love most from time to time. And while it hurts a lot to be the one who gets hurt, sometimes it is even more painful to be the one who does the hurting. It takes great strength of character to pull yourself up in these moments of moral failure and commit to do better next time. It takes even greater dedication and faithfulness to make sure that you do. But even the most messed-up person can change, and with God anything is possible.<br />
<br />
For great changes to occur, there must always be a great reason. That reason may be a new job, a valuable friendship, or a life-altering event. It is often said that an addict must hit rock-bottom before they are willing to accept that they really have a problem and need help. Whatever the motivation, if it is powerful enough it can provide the strength of resolve and momentum to propel an individual to a new set of actions, new beliefs, and even a new lifestyle.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="60px" id="Player_ce6e7b51-3b64-4b2b-9abe-14dd164e9f96" width="234px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2Fce6e7b51-3b64-4b2b-9abe-14dd164e9f96&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2Fce6e7b51-3b64-4b2b-9abe-14dd164e9f96&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_ce6e7b51-3b64-4b2b-9abe-14dd164e9f96" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_ce6e7b51-3b64-4b2b-9abe-14dd164e9f96" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="60px" width="234px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2Fce6e7b51-3b64-4b2b-9abe-14dd164e9f96&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Operation=NoScript"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Amazon.com Widgets&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/A&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</noscript><br />
<br />
<b>"The Reason" by Hoobastank </b><br />
<br />
I'm not a perfect person<br />
There's many things I wish I didn't do<br />
But I continue learning<br />
I never meant to do those things to you<br />
And so I have to say before I go<br />
That I just want you to know<br />
<br />
I've found a reason for me<br />
To change who I used to be<br />
A reason to start over new<br />
And the reason is you<br />
<br />
I'm sorry that I hurt you<br />
It's something I must live with every day<br />
And all the pain I put you through<br />
I wish that I could take it all away<br />
And be the one who catches all your tears<br />
That's why I need you to hear<br />
<br />
I've found a reason for me<br />
To change who I used to be<br />
A reason to start over new<br />
And the reason is you<br />
<br />
I've found a reason to show<br />
A side of me you didn't know<br />
A reason for all that I do<br />
And the reason is you</blockquote><br />
<br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZpRFwY8Bmpk?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZpRFwY8Bmpk?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-44691843914014025412010-11-02T16:11:00.000-07:002010-11-02T20:51:40.905-07:00"Beautiful" by Mercy MeThis world can be a very cruel place. Too many people feel that the only way they can build themselves up is to tear someone else down. Many of us isolate our feelings from most others, only opening up to a few choice friends in whom we feel we can trust. The greatest betrayals are when even those trusted friends thoughtlessly, or intentionally cause us the greatest emotional harm. <br />
<br />
It's hard to feel good about yourself when you get rejected. You feel like if they don't value you for your looks, your mind, your personality, then why should you? Because there is one that values you more than you could ever value yourself. He thought you were worth so much that he suffered torture and gave his only life to make sure you would be safe for all eternity. He is in heaven right now, right this instant, looking down on you, reaching out through the immensity of time and space to surround you with his own tender love. To let you know that everything will be okay. <br />
<br />
To Him, you are beautiful, you are treasured, you are irreplaceable. You are in <a href="http://upliftingpopsongs.blogspot.com/2010/04/middle-by-jimmy-eat-world.html">the middle</a> of a dark valley on your journey of life, but his loving arms await you in the warm sunshine. If you look up to Him, He will send the sunshine to where you are and begin to heal your broken heart.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="60px" id="Player_54592a45-49f5-47c6-8fb3-409a5427eeb8" width="234px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F54592a45-49f5-47c6-8fb3-409a5427eeb8&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F54592a45-49f5-47c6-8fb3-409a5427eeb8&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_54592a45-49f5-47c6-8fb3-409a5427eeb8" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_54592a45-49f5-47c6-8fb3-409a5427eeb8" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="60px" width="234px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript>&lt;a HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F54592a45-49f5-47c6-8fb3-409a5427eeb8&amp;Operation=NoScript"&gt;Amazon.com Widgets&lt;/A&gt;</noscript><br />
<br />
<b>"Beautiful" by Mercy Me</b><br />
<br />
Days will come when you don't have the strength <br />
When all you hear is you're not worth anything <br />
Wondering if you ever could be loved <br />
And if they truly saw your heart they'd see too much <br />
<br />
You're beautiful <br />
You're beautiful <br />
You are made for so much more than all of this <br />
You're beautiful <br />
You're beautiful <br />
You are treasured, You are sacred, You are His <br />
You're beautiful <br />
<br />
And praying that you have the heart to find <br />
Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight <br />
For all the lies you've held inside so long <br />
And they are nothing in the shadow of the cross <br />
<br />
[Chorus]<br />
<br />
Before you ever took a breath<br />
Long before the world began<br />
Of all the wonders He possessed<br />
There was one more precious<br />
<br />
Of all the earth and skies above<br />
You're the one He madly loves enough to die<br />
<br />
[Chorus]</blockquote><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8WnAq0o2Xl8?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8WnAq0o2Xl8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-50253460827003187872010-08-11T18:04:00.000-07:002010-08-11T18:38:43.920-07:00"Only Hope" by Switchfoot and Mandy MooreHope has become a misunderstood word. Nowadays, we say things like "I hope it's sunny today" to mean we have no idea if it will be sunny (and with our luck it probably won't be), but still, it would be nice if it was. This isn't what hope used to mean. Hope is a conviction that something is true. It leaves no room for doubt; hope is the opposite of doubt.<br />
<br />
The misunderstanding of the word hope illustrates the fact that many people today do not have much hope. Agnosticism and moral ambiguity have left people uncertain what they should do and uncertain what the ultimate results of it will be. We have been taught that there are only us humans and humans cannot be trusted.<br />
<br />
What a benefit those people have who believe in a supreme power and objective morality. Like the North Star sitting still in the heavens while the rest of the universe spins in circles, their belief and religion provides a clear path for their actions and strong hope for their eternal future. Whatever may happen to them in this life -- friendships and relationships betrayed, sickness, financial failure -- they know for certain that it will all be okay. They place their only hope in that conviction.<br />
<br />
Scoffers who may criticize their supposed naiveté would do well to remember Pascal's famous wager: should the believer's hope be placed in reality they win an eternity of happiness. They also get a lifetime of moral certainty which leads to a lifestyle of happiness. Should they be wrong, they still keep the lifetime of peacefulness and then cease to exist at death. Not a bad bet. Those who refuse to recognize an objective morality are much more likely to act in a way in life that will leave them unhappy, will lack the peace of mind of moral certainty, and risk eternal damnation for their actions. Which do you think is the better bet: following the wisdom of an eternal being (or at least of collective humanity) or stumbling about in the dark on your own?<br />
<br />
<blockquote><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="60px" id="Player_f7ad6a8d-4d82-4d6b-9a9f-3162c2b3f7ac" width="234px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2Ff7ad6a8d-4d82-4d6b-9a9f-3162c2b3f7ac&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2Ff7ad6a8d-4d82-4d6b-9a9f-3162c2b3f7ac&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_f7ad6a8d-4d82-4d6b-9a9f-3162c2b3f7ac" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_f7ad6a8d-4d82-4d6b-9a9f-3162c2b3f7ac" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="60px" width="234px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2Ff7ad6a8d-4d82-4d6b-9a9f-3162c2b3f7ac&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;Operation=NoScript"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Amazon.com Widgets&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/A&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</noscript><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"Only Hope" by Switchfoot and Mandy Moore</b><br />
<br />
There's a song that's inside of my soul. <br />
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again <br />
I'm awake in the infinite cold. <br />
But you sing to me over and over and over again. <br />
<br />
So, I lay my head back down. <br />
And I lift my hands and pray <br />
To be only yours, I pray, to be only yours <br />
I know now you're my only hope. <br />
<br />
Sing to me the song of the stars. <br />
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again. <br />
When it feels like my dreams are so far <br />
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again. <br />
<br />
I give you my destiny. <br />
I'm giving you all of me. <br />
I want your symphony, singing in all that I am <br />
At the top of my lungs, I'm giving it back. <br />
<br />
So I lay my head back down. <br />
And I lift my hands and pray <br />
To be only yours, I pray, to be only yours <br />
I pray, to be only yours <br />
I know now you're my only hope. </blockquote><br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4kC3r_poOl8?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4kC3r_poOl8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-80714931702757308212010-08-01T19:00:00.000-07:002010-08-01T19:54:20.416-07:00"The Hand Song" by Nickel CreekI once heard someone say that people's perception of God are often created from their relationship with their parents. As I think back on my own life, that seems to be true. That certainly puts the importance of good parenting in perspective. Parents quite literally act in place of God during those formative years of raising, nurturing and teaching their children. Rather than getting angry at a child for a careless mistake they have made, instead wouldn't God choose to use that moment to teach the child and set their moral compass to point true north.<br />
<br />
As the old adage goes, children certainly do learn what they live; and no matter how astray they may go in life, I believe they never forget those lessons they learn on their parents' knee. There is no greater, more important job in this world than faithful mothers and fathers who teach their children of love and duty and sacrifice. Those children grow up to be our great, principled leaders that strive to make this world a better place for everyone. Those parents could never receive all of the thanks they deserve for their quiet, unobserved, daily efforts.<br />
<br />
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<b>"The Hand Song" by Nickel Creek</b><br />
<br />
The boy only wanted to give Mother something<br />
And all of her roses had bloomed<br />
Looking at her as he came rushing in with them<br />
Knowing her roses were doomed<br />
All she could see were some thorns buried deep<br />
And the tears that he cried as she tended his wounds<br />
<br />
And she knew it was love<br />
It was one she could understand<br />
He was showing his love<br />
And that's how he hurt his hands<br />
<br />
He still remembers that night as child<br />
On his mother's knee<br />
She held him close and she opened her bible<br />
And quietly started to read<br />
And seeing a picture of Jesus he cried out<br />
"Momma, he's got some scars just like me."<br />
<br />
And he knew it was love<br />
It was one he could understand<br />
He was showing his love<br />
And that's how he hurt his hands<br />
<br />
Now the boy's grown and moved out on his own<br />
When Uncle Sam comes along<br />
A foreign affair, but our young men were there<br />
And luck had his number drawn<br />
It wasn't that long till our hero was gone<br />
He gave to a friend what he learned from the cross<br />
<br />
But they knew it was love<br />
It was one they could understand<br />
He was showing his love<br />
And that's how he hurt his hands</blockquote><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KLj3BDXWIUs&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KLj3BDXWIUs&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-33582330541863227752010-07-10T16:55:00.000-07:002011-01-10T12:09:38.604-08:00"Love Like Crazy" by Lee BriceIf you want to see what real love is, you only need go visit a couple that has been together for decades. Long after the initial attraction has past, past all of the disagreements, hurt feelings and apologies, true love continues to sail through hoping for the best but ready to endure the worst. True love is a decision that these couples made, again and again over the years, to be their spouse's best friend, to love them no matter what trials they come across.<br />
<br />
It may seem crazy to some. Humans are programed to look after themselves and to take an advantage over another when it comes along. To truly love someone, you must open yourself up to be completely vulnerable to their actions. But the rewards of such a intimate and trusting relationship have no other match in the world.<br />
<br />
Choose your spouse very, very carefully, but once you have made your wise choice, abandon your own selfish desires and love them like crazy. Work hard at cultivating your marriage and it will be there for a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<b></b></blockquote><br />
<blockquote><b>"Love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice</b><br />
<br />
They called them crazy when they started out<br />
Said seventeen's too young to know what loves about<br />
They've been together fifty-eight years now<br />
That’s crazy<br />
<br />
He brought home sixty-seven bucks a week<br />
He bought a little 2 bedroom house on Maple Street<br />
Where she blessed him with six more mouths to feed<br />
Yea that’s crazy<br />
<br />
Just ask him how he did it; he'll say pull up a seat<br />
It'll only take a minute, to tell you everything<br />
<br />
Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I Love You<br />
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common since<br />
Never let your prayin' knees get lazy<br />
And love like crazy<br />
<br />
They called him crazy when he quit his job<br />
Said them home computers, boy they'll never take off<br />
He sold his one man shop to Microsoft<br />
They paid like crazy<br />
<br />
Just ask him how he made it<br />
He'll tell you faith and sweat<br />
And the heart of a faithful woman,<br />
Who never let him forget<br />
<br />
Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I Love You<br />
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common since<br />
Never let your prayin knees get lazy<br />
And love like crazy<br />
<br />
Always treat your woman like a lady<br />
Never get to old to call her baby<br />
Never let your prayin knees get lazy<br />
And love like crazy<br />
<br />
They called him crazy when they started out<br />
They've been together fifty-eight years now<br />
<br />
Aint that crazy? </blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/c0f5g18EbG4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-34741895510867277172010-06-02T13:31:00.000-07:002010-08-11T17:08:12.894-07:00"From God's Arms, To My Arms, To Yours" by Michael McLeanThis last Sunday two ladies from a local pregnant teen counseling and adoption center spoke to us at church. As they talked about the young teenage mothers who come into their office feeling alone and scared of the great decisions that they had to make shortly, my heart went out to them. They told us that when an individual comes in with an unwanted pregnancy (or their parents, siblings, friends, etc.) they always sit them down and in a calm, caring manner discuss their options: 1) Marrying the father and raising the child together, 2) Raising the child as a single parent, 3) Adopting the child out to a family that wants them, or 4) Aborting the child. Realizing that it is often impossible for the birth mother to get married or be a single mom, my wife and I agreed that we had great respect for the women who carried the baby to full term and then adopted them to a family.<br />
<br />
As those ladies told us of the great heartache those pregnant girls initially have and the great peace they found in doing the right thing and adopting their baby, it reminded me of a song I had heard many years ago. Songwriter Michael McLean was approached by a girl with an unwanted pregnancy about writing a song for her to give to the family she was adopting her child to. From her journal entries, McLean wrote this unique song that has given hope and encouragement to many many girls in the same situation. (Listen to his explanation <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziI3Wo3OD94&">here</a>. )<br />
<br />
<blockquote><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="60px" id="Player_59690951-7ad5-487d-b0f8-fd4762788447" width="234px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F59690951-7ad5-487d-b0f8-fd4762788447&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F59690951-7ad5-487d-b0f8-fd4762788447&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_59690951-7ad5-487d-b0f8-fd4762788447" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_59690951-7ad5-487d-b0f8-fd4762788447" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="60px" width="234px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript>&lt;A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F59690951-7ad5-487d-b0f8-fd4762788447&amp;Operation=NoScript"&gt;Amazon.com Widgets&lt;/A&gt;</noscript><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"From God's Arms, To My Arms, To Yours" by Michael McLean</b><br />
<br />
So many wrong decisions in my past, I'm not quite sure <br />
If I can ever hope to trust my judgement anymore. <br />
But lately I've been thinking, <br />
'Cause it's all I've had to do. <br />
And in my heart I feel that I <br />
Should give this child to you. <br />
<br />
And maybe, you could tell your baby, <br />
When you love him so, that he's been loved before, <br />
By someone, who delivered your son, <br />
From God's arms, to my arms, to yours. <br />
<br />
If you choose to tell him, <br />
If he wants to know, <br />
How the one who gave him life <br />
Could bear to let him go. <br />
Just tell him there were sleepless nights, <br />
I prayed and paced the floors, <br />
And knew the only peace I'd find, <br />
Was if this child was yours. <br />
<br />
And maybe, you could tell your baby, <br />
When you love him so, that he's been loved before,<br />
By someone, who delivered your son, <br />
From God's arms, to my arms, to yours. <br />
<br />
This may not be the answer, <br />
For another girl like me. <br />
But I'm not on a soapbox, <br />
Saying how we all should be. <br />
I'm just trusting in my feelings, <br />
And I'm trusting God above, <br />
And I'm trusting you can give this baby <br />
Both his mothers' love. <br />
<br />
And maybe, you could tell your baby, <br />
When you love him so, that he's been loved before, <br />
By someone, who delivered your son, <br />
From God's arms, to my arms, to yours. </blockquote><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>Resources for Unwanted Pregnancies:</b><br />
<blockquote><a href="https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/ct/eng/site/pregnant/">It's About Love </a><b><br />
</b><a href="http://www.pregnancycenters.org/">Pregnant? You Have Options</a><b><br />
</b><a href="https://thisismarriage.wordpress.com/abortion/">About Abortion</a><b><br />
</b></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-69893204354959124142010-05-28T14:00:00.000-07:002010-08-11T17:20:30.696-07:00"You'll Never Walk Alone" by Various PerformersIt isn't too often these days that you get a musical theater song that crosses over to be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I_crD6Oqsw&">sung regularly by thousands of soccer fans</a> in England. The special message of this song from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical <i>Carousel </i>touches at the very core of humanity: everyone needs to know that they are not alone.<br />
<br />
Solitary confinement has always been known to be the worst possible punishment that could be offered to a criminal. Humans are social creatures and we need to know that someone else knows and cares about us. We also need to know that there is hope around the corner, and that all our struggles will someday open up to a time of peace and happiness. It is no surprise that every single successful ideology, whether religious or political, stresses that there is a time in the future when all problems will end and love will abound. In Christianity alone, the promise of "on earth, peace, goodwill towards men" falls only short of "glory to God in the highest."<br />
<br />
Whether Judeo-Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or an agnostic humanist, we are all in this together and every human should do their part to meet the needs of those around them and thereby improve our race. <br />
<br />
<blockquote><OBJECT classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" id="Player_73f73c43-e035-4b73-bea5-a38deff874c7" WIDTH="234px" HEIGHT="60px"> <PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F73f73c43-e035-4b73-bea5-a38deff874c7&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><PARAM NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><PARAM NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F73f73c43-e035-4b73-bea5-a38deff874c7&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_73f73c43-e035-4b73-bea5-a38deff874c7" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_73f73c43-e035-4b73-bea5-a38deff874c7" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="60px" width="234px"></embed></OBJECT> <NOSCRIPT><A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F73f73c43-e035-4b73-bea5-a38deff874c7&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></NOSCRIPT><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>"You'll Never Walk Alone"</b><br />
<br />
When you walk through a storm<br />
Hold your chin up high<br />
And don't be afraid of the dark.<br />
At the end of a storm<br />
Is a golden sky<br />
And the sweet, silver song of a lark.<br />
<br />
Walk on, through the wind,<br />
Walk on, through the rain,<br />
Though your dreams be tossed and blown.<br />
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart,<br />
And you'll never walk alone,<br />
You'll never walk alone.</blockquote><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EWmbyEN1rQE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EWmbyEN1rQE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-6039285388548493022010-05-25T22:13:00.000-07:002010-08-11T17:27:23.727-07:00"Leader of the Band" by Dan FolgelbergFew would deny that our parents have a big impact on who we become in life. For good or for bad, their parenting and example leave an indelible imprint on us that is then later passed down onto our own children, creating a legacy of thought patterns and behavior. The best thing that a parent could do to ensure the success of their children and grandchildren is to make themselves the best they can be and do their best to teach their children to do likewise.<br />
<br />
I have heard this gem of a song referred to great husbands, fathers and grandfathers who gently but firmly led their families while sharing with them the priceless gift of music. I even heard this song's lyrics quoted over the pulpit as a sermon for what Christ did for us. Surely the need for good fathers is greater than it has ever been. As the great prophet said, the hearts of the fathers must be turned to the welfare of the children, and the hearts of the children must be turned in gratitude to their fathers or our society will continue to experience greater calamities due to teenage mothers, separated parents, broken homes and abused children. Every father must step up and take their leading role, along side the mother, in teaching and nurturing their children, and thereby improving our society as a whole.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><OBJECT classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" id="Player_426b3dc7-e21b-4e98-b945-1f6445b4e686" WIDTH="234px" HEIGHT="60px"> <PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F426b3dc7-e21b-4e98-b945-1f6445b4e686&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><PARAM NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><PARAM NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><PARAM NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F426b3dc7-e21b-4e98-b945-1f6445b4e686&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_426b3dc7-e21b-4e98-b945-1f6445b4e686" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_426b3dc7-e21b-4e98-b945-1f6445b4e686" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="60px" width="234px"></embed></OBJECT> <NOSCRIPT><A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F426b3dc7-e21b-4e98-b945-1f6445b4e686&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></NOSCRIPT><br />
<br />
<b>"Leader of the Band" by Dan Folgelberg</b><br />
<br />
An only child alone and wild<br />
A cabinet maker's son<br />
His hands were meant for different work<br />
And his heart was known to none<br />
He left his home and went his lone and solitary way<br />
And he gave to me a gift<br />
I know I never can repay<br />
<br />
A quiet man of music<br />
Denied a simpler fate<br />
He tried to be a soldier once<br />
But his music wouldn't wait<br />
He earned his love thru' discipline<br />
A thundering velvet hand<br />
His gentle means of sculpting souls<br />
Took me years to understand<br />
<br />
The leader of the band<br />
Is tired and his eyes are growing old<br />
But his blood runs thru' my instrument<br />
And his song is in my soul<br />
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man<br />
I'm just a living legacy<br />
To the leader of the band<br />
<br />
My brother's lives were different<br />
For they heard another call<br />
One went to Chicago and the other to St. Paul<br />
And I'm in Colorado<br />
When I'm not in some hotel<br />
Living out this life I've chose<br />
And come to know so well<br />
<br />
I thank you for the music<br />
And your stories of the road<br />
I thank you for the freedom<br />
When it came my time to go<br />
I thank you for the kindness<br />
And the times when you got tough<br />
And papa I don't think I said<br />
"I love you" near enough<br />
<br />
The leader of the band<br />
Is tired and his eyes are growing old<br />
But his blood runs thru' my instrument<br />
And his song is in my soul<br />
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man<br />
I'm just a living legacy<br />
To the leader of the band<br />
<br />
I am the living legacy<br />
To the leader of the band</blockquote><br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3FvQB8FNKME&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3FvQB8FNKME&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-73630489995392301172010-05-07T21:50:00.000-07:002011-01-10T12:10:58.182-08:00"Meet in the Middle" by Diamond RioAnyone who has been married for more than 6 months knows that there is no perfect marriage and certainly no perfect spouse. No two independent human beings could come together seamlessly; there are always differences in opinions, ways of doing things, styles, etc. that though they be small, can build up major roadblocks between a couple. To make matters worse, men and women are clearly wired differently: Men tend to approach things from a cold, logical perspective while women approach from a emotional, socially-sensitive perspective. Sometimes when one party thinks they have approached a situation in a completely reasonable way, the other party finds their mate's actions very offensive.<br />
<br />
Marriage and friendships do not involve a dissolution but rather a skillful blend and balance of personalities and wills. Tolerance and compromise are the keys making it work. When both parties focus on meeting their spouse halfway, rather than insisting on their own point of view, they come to find that they are much stronger together than they ever were apart. My wife and I certainly have our moments, but my life changed very much for the good when we married; I am happier than I have ever been and I cannot imagine ever being separated from her.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="60px" id="Player_eba83b1e-1644-4001-ac61-94b4427efdd2" width="234px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2Feba83b1e-1644-4001-ac61-94b4427efdd2&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2Feba83b1e-1644-4001-ac61-94b4427efdd2&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_eba83b1e-1644-4001-ac61-94b4427efdd2" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_eba83b1e-1644-4001-ac61-94b4427efdd2" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="60px" width="234px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript>&lt;a HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2Feba83b1e-1644-4001-ac61-94b4427efdd2&amp;Operation=NoScript"&gt;Amazon.com Widgets&lt;/A&gt;</noscript><br />
<br />
<b>"Meet in the Middle" by Diamond Rio</b><br />
<br />
It was 700 fence posts <br />
from your place to ours<br />
Neither one of us was old enough to drive a car<br />
sometimes it was rainin' and sometimes it would shine<br />
we wore out that gravel road between your house and mine<br />
<br />
I start walkin' your way you start walkin' mine<br />
we meet in the middle 'neath that old Georgia pine<br />
We gain a lot of ground 'cuz we both give a little<br />
ain't no road to long when we meet in the middle<br />
<br />
It's been 7 years tomorrow since we said our vows<br />
under that old pine tree you oughta see it now<br />
standin in the backyard remindin' me and you<br />
that if we don't see eye to eye <br />
there's something we can do<br />
<br />
I start walkin' your way you start walkin' mine<br />
we meet in the middle 'neath that old Georgia pine<br />
We gain a lot of ground 'cuz we both give a little<br />
ain't no road to long when we meet in the middle<br />
<br />
Babe I love the way we work it out<br />
That's what love is all about<br />
<br />
</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/U3BTx5mwk-Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-15519215115464350092010-05-07T13:51:00.000-07:002011-01-10T12:04:22.764-08:00"What a Wonderful World" by Louis ArmstrongWith all the stresses and frustrations we experience in life, it is important to occasionally step out and enjoy the miracle that our world is. The beautiful blue of the sky reflecting in a crisp mountain lake. The cool, earthy smell of the forest. The soothing rhythm of the ocean at the shore.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upliftingpopsongs.blogspot.com/2010/04/with-arms-wide-open-by-creed.html">We perhaps feel this awe of nature the most around young children</a>. If we could all look at the wonderful world around us with the curiosity of an infant, our troubles would all seem much smaller in the context of everything else. They understand that this world was made for our enjoyment. They understand that no person is better than any other and we are all meant to love each other.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong</b><br />
<br />
I see trees of green, red roses too<br />
I see them bloom for me and you<br />
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.<br />
I see skies of blue and clouds of white<br />
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night<br />
And I think to myself what a wonderful world.<br />
<br />
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky<br />
Are also on the faces of people going by<br />
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do<br />
They're really saying I love you.<br />
<br />
I hear babies crying, I watch them grow<br />
They'll learn much more than I'll never know<br />
And I think to myself what a wonderful world<br />
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kIdbroOLvhw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-61544012494026443172010-04-29T13:40:00.000-07:002010-08-11T17:45:22.197-07:00"With Arms Wide Open" by CreedIf you sit back and think about it, it's mind-boggling that humans have the power within them to create life. All of our scientists working for centuries in their billion-dollar laboratories have not been able to animate a single lifeless piece of matter, and yet mothers and fathers have been creating life as long as humans have existed.<br />
<br />
There is an aura of magic, divinity around the birth of a child. A fresh, innocent new soul entering into our presence. A man and woman who has thus far only concerned themselves with themselves and each other now dedicate their means and energy to raising this bright but helpless little human. To give them the nourishment and training they need to become strong and eventually self-sufficient. The best of humanity is there when parents welcome a new child onto earth "with arms wide open."<br />
<br />
<blockquote><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="60px" id="Player_885d05e1-f966-406b-885e-4e1c91c66bee" width="234px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F885d05e1-f966-406b-885e-4e1c91c66bee&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F885d05e1-f966-406b-885e-4e1c91c66bee&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_885d05e1-f966-406b-885e-4e1c91c66bee" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_885d05e1-f966-406b-885e-4e1c91c66bee" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="60px" width="234px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript>&lt;a HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F885d05e1-f966-406b-885e-4e1c91c66bee&amp;Operation=NoScript"&gt;Amazon.com Widgets&lt;/A&gt;</noscript><br />
<b><br />
"With Arms Wide Open" by Creed</b><br />
<br />
Well I just heard the news today<br />
It seems my life is going to change<br />
I closed my eyes, begin to pray<br />
Then tears of joy stream down my face<br />
<br />
With arms wide open<br />
Under the sunlight<br />
Welcome to this place<br />
I'll show you everything<br />
With arms wide open<br />
With arms wide open<br />
<br />
Well I don't know if I'm ready<br />
To be the man I have to be<br />
I'll take a breath, I'll take her by my side<br />
We stand in awe, we've created life<br />
<br />
With arms wide open<br />
Under the sunlight<br />
Welcome to this place<br />
I'll show you everything<br />
With arms wide open<br />
Now everything has changed<br />
I'll show you love<br />
I'll show you everything<br />
With arms wide open<br />
<br />
If I had just one wish<br />
Only one demand<br />
I hope he's not like me<br />
I hope he understands<br />
That he can take this life<br />
And hold it by the hand<br />
And he can greet the world<br />
With arms wide open...<br />
<br />
With arms wide open<br />
Under the sunlight<br />
Welcome to this place<br />
I'll show you everything<br />
With arms wide open<br />
Now everything has changed<br />
I'll show you love<br />
I'll show you everything<br />
With arms wide open<br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oJLhO5bE7-U&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oJLhO5bE7-U&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-8195462928803235072010-04-27T14:19:00.000-07:002010-08-11T17:44:39.905-07:00"Butterfly Kisses" by Bob CarlisleI've never had a daughter yet, but I'm pretty sure there is a special kind of love that only fathers and daughters can share. A father can be such an important influence in their little girl's life, teaching her what true manhood is and what to look for in their future husband. Then, as she comes of age, the father steps back as the "man" in his daughter's life for another worthy male to take his place for the rest of her life. With all that a father would do and sacrifice for his little girl, is there any other better example of true love?<br />
<br />
<blockquote><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="60px" id="Player_83724d66-a551-4611-be0e-bd8122c93c38" width="234px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F83724d66-a551-4611-be0e-bd8122c93c38&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F83724d66-a551-4611-be0e-bd8122c93c38&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_83724d66-a551-4611-be0e-bd8122c93c38" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_83724d66-a551-4611-be0e-bd8122c93c38" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="60px" width="234px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript>&lt;a HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F83724d66-a551-4611-be0e-bd8122c93c38&amp;Operation=NoScript"&gt;Amazon.com Widgets&lt;/A&gt;</noscript><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>"Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle</b><br />
<br />
There's two things I know for sure<br />
She was sent here from heaven, and she's Daddy's little girl.<br />
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night<br />
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes<br />
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life, oh but most of all...<br />
<br />
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer<br />
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair<br />
Walk beside the pony Daddy, it's my first ride<br />
I know the cake looks funny Daddy, but I sure tried<br />
Oh with all that I've done wrong, I must of done something right<br />
To deserve a hug every morning, and butterfly kisses at night.<br />
<br />
Sweet sixteen today<br />
She's looking like her Mama, a little more everyday.<br />
One part woman, the other part girl<br />
To perfume and makeup, from ribbons and curls.<br />
Trying her wings out in a great big world, but I remember...<br />
<br />
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer<br />
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.<br />
You know how much I love you Daddy, but if you don't mind<br />
I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time.<br />
With all that I've done wrong, I must of done something right<br />
To deserve her love every morning, and butterfly kisses at night.<br />
<br />
All the precious time, oh, like the wind the years go by.<br />
Precious butterfly, spread your wings and fly.<br />
<br />
She'll change her name today, she'll make a promise, and I'll give her away.<br />
Standing in the bridegroom just staring at her<br />
She asks me what I'm thinking, and I said I'm not sure.<br />
I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl, and she leaned over...<br />
<br />
Gave me butterfly kisses with her Mama there<br />
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.<br />
Walk me down the aisle Daddy, it's just about time.<br />
Does my wedding gown look pretty Daddy? Daddy, don't cry.<br />
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must of done something right.<br />
<br />
To deserve her love every morning, and butterfly kisses,<br />
I couldn't ask God for more, than this is what love is.<br />
I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember...<br />
Every hug in the morning, and butterfly kisses.</blockquote><br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zRqK580jV8s&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zRqK580jV8s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-55909456082449752272010-04-24T20:17:00.000-07:002011-01-10T12:08:30.846-08:00"The Middle" by Jimmy Eat WorldPeer pressure can be a frightful, destructive force, especially among teenagers. Coming to consciousness as an adult in a child's body, it is usually very important to teens that they "fit in" and are respected by their peers. I often think, if they could only have the benefit of five years hindsight, they would see how ultimately unimportant the things are that often monopolize their time and worrying: gaining the admiration of so-called friends that are mean to them, the latest fashions, experience in a romantic relationship, etc.<br />
<br />
I would tell them, don't worry so much! <a href="http://upliftingpopsongs.blogspot.com/2010/04/100-years-by-five-for-fighting.html">There's still time for you </a>to come into yourself and find your true friends. Adolescence is "the middle" of a bumpy ride for just about everyone, and insecure false friends make it worse for everyone. Just be yourself and be happy with it. Your true friends will recognize you and appreciate you for who you are.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="60px" id="Player_3abe0166-031f-4f17-b7f6-1bd7c1f94d05" width="234px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F3abe0166-031f-4f17-b7f6-1bd7c1f94d05&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F3abe0166-031f-4f17-b7f6-1bd7c1f94d05&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_3abe0166-031f-4f17-b7f6-1bd7c1f94d05" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_3abe0166-031f-4f17-b7f6-1bd7c1f94d05" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="60px" width="234px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript>&lt;a HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fpitcperfpubl-20%2F8014%2F3abe0166-031f-4f17-b7f6-1bd7c1f94d05&amp;Operation=NoScript"&gt;Amazon.com Widgets&lt;/A&gt;</noscript><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">"The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World</span><br />
<br />
Hey,<br />
Don't write yourself off yet.<br />
It's only in your head you feel left out,<br />
Or looked down on.<br />
Just try your best,<br />
Try everything you can.<br />
And don't you worry what they tell themselves<br />
When you're away.<br />
<br />
It just takes some time,<br />
little girl, you're in the middle of the ride.<br />
Everything, everything will be just fine,<br />
Everything, everything will be alright.<br />
<br />
Hey,<br />
You know they're all the same.<br />
You know you're doing better on your own,<br />
So don't buy in.<br />
Live right now.<br />
Yeah, just be yourself.<br />
It doesn't matter if it's good enough<br />
For someone else.<br />
<br />
It just takes some time,<br />
little girl, you're in the middle of the ride.<br />
Everything, everything will be just fine,<br />
Everything, everything will be alright.<br />
<br />
Hey, don't write yourself off yet.<br />
It's only in your head you feel left out,<br />
Or looked down on.<br />
Just do your best,<br />
Do everything you can.<br />
And don't you worry what their bitter hearts<br />
Are gonna say.<br />
<br />
It just takes some time,<br />
little girl, you're in the middle of the ride.<br />
Everything, everything will be just fine,<br />
Everything, everything will be alright.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0d2iSqXWTns?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863888167904000726.post-61424861925581924172010-04-23T22:43:00.000-07:002010-08-11T17:43:02.840-07:00"100 Years" by Five For FightingThere is a part of human nature that causes us to always be be pushing and stretching for something more than what we are today. This is what entices us to be continually improving, create new technologies and reach for the stars. It can also, however, hold us back by causing us to remain unsatisfied with our current situations, always hoping to be older, richer, have a better job, more friends or family, or any number of things.<br />
<br />
Almost no age group exemplifies this better than the teenager. "Not quite an adult, but no longer a child," the teenager yearns for the independence, respect, income and possessions of an adult. In their wishing to be on to the next stages of their life, they often ignore and trivialize the experiences and growth they can only have in this stage of their lives. Many people look back with fondness on the carefree days of their childhood and wish that they had been able to see their worries as the small things they really were and enjoy that time that will never come again.<br />
<br />
There is a saying that goes "You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays. I don't know about you, but I'd like to make today worth remembering."<br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">"100 Years" by Five for Fighting</span><br />
<br />
I'm 15 for a moment<br />
Caught in between 10 and 20<br />
And I'm just dreaming<br />
Counting the ways to where you are<br />
<br />
I'm 22 for a moment<br />
She feels better than ever<br />
And we're on fire<br />
Making our way back from Mars<br />
<br />
15 there's still time for you<br />
Time to buy and time to lose<br />
15, there's never a wish better than this<br />
When you only got 100 years to live<br />
<br />
I'm 33 for a moment<br />
Still the man, but you see I'm a they<br />
A kid on the way<br />
A family on my mind<br />
<br />
I'm 45 for a moment<br />
The sea is high<br />
And I'm heading into a crisis<br />
Chasing the years of my life<br />
<br />
15 there's still time for you<br />
Time to buy, Time to lose yourself<br />
Within a morning star<br />
<br />
15 I'm all right with you<br />
15, there's never a wish better than this<br />
When you only got 100 years to live<br />
<br />
Half time goes by<br />
Suddenly you're wise<br />
Another blink of an eye<br />
67 is gone<br />
The sun is getting high<br />
We're moving on...<br />
<br />
I'm 99 for a moment<br />
Dying for just another moment<br />
And I'm just dreaming<br />
Counting the ways to where you are<br />
<br />
15 there's still time for you<br />
22 I feel her too<br />
33 you're on your way<br />
Every day's a new day...<br />
<br />
15 there's still time for you<br />
Time to buy and time to choose<br />
Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this<br />
When you only got 100 years to live<br />
<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fJN9YIOl1xE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fJN9YIOl1xE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0