I have a passion. It is music. I love to listen, to sing, to play -- I love it. I enjoy many genres. Living in Texas, you can't escape good ol' country music. I love the classic country that my dad used to play (and still does sometimes - I love you, Dad!). I was a teenager once, so I found a place in my heart for Rock and Roll. My family and I love to sing Gospel songs in four-part harmony. These are my favorites.

One day I was driving listening to the radio that was playing the current hit song about drugs and sex, and the Lord really placed it on my heart that I didn't have to listen to that to enjoy the music. Ever since then I have felt compelled to surround myself with music that is uplifting and that promotes a good message. However, I am not willing to sacrifice my specific tastes and desires. Hey, God made me the way I am -- He made me to enjoy a little alternative music, and there is nothing wrong with that!

I came across a radio station broadcasting online that has become a daily staple. I listen to it all day at work and it allows me to hear the kind of music that I love, and offers a good christian message.

I challenge you to take a second look at what you surround yourself with every day. If you are surrounded by a positive message, you will feel a positive result. It's kind of along the same lines as "You are what you eat". You eat junk, you've got all that junk inside your body. You fill yourself with filth, you're all full of filth. Try spending some time and do a little reasearch. When it comes to music, the Lord has gifted so many people out there with the passion and the talents to share His message in song.

The site that I like the most is www.radiou.com. I think it would be especially good for teens and younger adults who still like rock and roll or hip-hop or alternative, but who don't want to waste their time with some of the trash that is out there.

Everyone knows the basic concepts of the game. One person hides, and the other will look to find them. Normally, the person hiding will not be in plain sight. They will be in a closet, or under the bed -- somewhere that is hidden from view, but somewhere accessible.

One of my favorite verses in the bible reminds us to seek God's face, or his presence. What does this mean? Well, unlike the popular game, God does not actively hide from us. He desires to be "caught". He wants us to find him. How do we do this? How do we seek God?

It is very common for us to turn to Him when we are hurting. Someone or something has injured us, and we want our comfort back. We ask him to heal our hearts, or our bodies, or our homes. And He is always there. He will always be there when we seek Him.

I am trying to find a way to seek Him in my daily life. Something that has worked for me is to surround myself with Godly things during the day. The radio station I listen to plays uplifting music. My friends that I associate with are christians. I read a daily devotional. I spend quiet time with Him. Whenever there is something going on that is bothering me, no matter how big or small, I ask for his help right then and there. Whenever something good happens, once again no matter how big or small, I thank Him. He listens. He is always there.

He is always ready and wants you to seek Him. I welcome any comments from those of you who have also found other ways to seek God in your daily lives.

**2 Chron. 7:14
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

It is amazing how a natural disaster will change your perspective. Over the weekend my family was impacted by Hurricane Rita. It began early with preparations to our office at work, which they closed on Wednesday to allow us to go home and prepare our houses and/or evacuate if we were in the danger-zone. My husband and I decided to stick it out at home. We began the tedious process over the next two days to secure our house against heavy wind and rain. We boarded windows, stockpiled food and water, among other things.

Friday night we were ready and we watched the news to see when the hurricane was supposed to be in our area. While sitting in front of the tv, I began to look around the room. I thought about all my material possessions that I had prided myself on acquiring over the years. They were all expendable.

Facing possible devastation from something that no man could control, you realize where your true loyalties lie. I only thought of my family and friends and prayed for our safety in the storm. I did not pray that the Lord please keep my brand new piano safe. I did not pray that the Holy Father watch over my big screen tv and make sure it did not come into any harm. My thoughts were only on my loved ones.

God loves to bless us with earthly gifts and human treasures. He is pleased when we are happy. But I want to warn you against putting all your thoughts and happiness into your earthly possessions. A strong wind could blow them away. A heavy rain could ruin and devastate. In the end, what is important is your relationship with God.

*Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

*Psalm 40:3
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

*Psalm 98:1
[ A psalm. ] Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

*Psalm 33:3
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Singing is my passion. I am not especially gifted at it, but I love it. I think God put it in my heart to love to sing to Him. This blog-site will not be about singing, though. It will be about the things that God has revealed to me, as he reveals them to me. Hopefully they will be encouraging and inspiring to you. I encourage you to always give Him your best, and sing to him your "new song" whatever that may be.

Psalm 66:1-2 Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name.