He Said (Feat. Chris August) - Group 1 Crew

  

    I love music, and often if I'm struggling to make a decision, or I'm in the middle of a trial, or just down about life, the Lord always speaks to me in the biggest ways through music...and yes, through His Word as well.

    I have been struggling with a decision about my summer. Last summer I went to work away from home for a good Christian family, and things didn't go well for me. I made some bad decisions, and my bosses wife and I didn't get along all that well. I wasn't expecting the family to ask me back, and I really didn't want to go back at all. But in January, the family asked me back. And they asked me back. AND they asked me back again. I felt really bad, and I kind of felt that I owed to to them for the trouble that I caused them last year. Plus I wanted to prove to myself that I could be on my own, and make wise decisions. My parents let me make the decision, but ultimately had the final say if he didn't feel at peace about it. So with a lot of prayer, consideration, and talks with my mom, and dad, I decided that I am going to go back. 

   Two of the songs that really spoke to me were "You Lead" by Jamie Grace, and this song, "He Said" by Gruop1Crew. It felt like God was standing right in front of me, and saying it to my face. I know now that last summer wasn't a mistake, and that God had me there for a reason. I still feel terrible about it, and a big part of me wishes that I hadn't gone because it would have saved me, especially me parents, a lot of pain. And still don't know if going back is what I want to do, and I am scared to death of going back. But if He doesn't want me there, then He'll pull me out of it, and if I go then it is His will. I'll take what I learned from last summer, apply it, and serve the people that I work for all for the glory of God.

    If you're listening to this song right now, and you're in the middle of a trouble or trial, I hope that you find hope in this song, and that God speaks to you. I know what it feels like to be confused, and alone, and in pain because of a past mistake. But remember what He said: "I won't give you more then you can take. And I might let you bend, but I won't let you break. I'll never ever let you go." 

~Olivia~

Building 429: "Where I Belong" Official Music - Video Take This World an...

   This is an AMAZING song!! I feel bad for the replay button, and I get goose bumps down my spine, and all over my body every time I listen to it!!
    I grew up in a Christian home, so there are some things that I just get used to hearing, and, honestly, sometimes they get old. One of them being the concept of Heaven. In my youth group one of our leaders asked if we were ready for Heaven. None of us raised our hands (to our shame). So he asked, "Why? Why aren't you guys ready? If Jesus were to come back right now, why wouldn't you be ready?" After discussion that night, and examining my own heart, I realized that there is still so much that I want to do, and accomplish. It is so hard for me in my flesh to let those things go. But after going over the end times in our youth group, thinking about it on my own, and hearing this song, I can honestly say now, that I can't wait for Heaven. And though it is still hard to imagine its wonderful splendor, and glory, and being in the presence of Almighty God, our creator, and though it's hard to think about leaving everything behind, I can't wait to finally be home, and to look on my Saviors face!!

Because of His grace,

~Olivia~

Casting Crowns - Just Another Birthday

LOVE this song, and LOVE this video!!!! =) Hope that y'all enjoy it as well!!

~Olivia~

Jamie Grace "Lead Me"

 "You lead, I'll follow, Your hands hold my tomorrow,
Your grip, Your grace, You know the way,
You guide me tenderly,
When you lead, I'll follow,
Just light the way and I'll go,
Cause I know what you got for me is more than I can see,
So lead me on, on, on and on,
Just lead me on, on, on and on."

~Olivia~ 

Tagged!

Katie from "Hello Highlights" tagged me! After reading some of her tags, I thought it looked like at lot of fun, so I was thrilled that she tagged me! =) I thought this would be a fun for you as the reader to get know us (Olivia will be doing it later on...hopefully!) better! So, let's begin! =)


1. Would you rather read or watch a movie? I love reading, but good movies are certainly on my favorites list as well! It would totally depend on the book or movie, but right now, I'm going to go with the movie!

2. How would you describe yourself? Ambitious, driven, sometimes stressed....=)

3. Do you have many best friends or just one? I really have one best friend, but I have other close friends!

4. If you could choose your own name, what would it be? I really don't know. I love the names "Jordyn", "Danielle" and "Catilyn", but those names just don't suit me...I think I'll stick with Emily! :)

5. If you could have any dream job what would it be and why? I'm hoping to be a journalist....writing is what I love, so why not put my passion to good use? =)

6. What's one material item you couldn't live without? A black ink pen...I'm a writer, after all! :)

7. If you had to choose between doing your hair and doing your make up which would it be? I really don't do any make-up, and since my hair is really in need of help in the mornings, I think I'll choose to do my hair!

8. What is a trend that you never understood? I agree with Katie on Bieber fever, though I thought that the Hannah Montana craze was a little dorky! =)
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1. At what age would you want to get married? 22, 23...I want to graduate from college before I marry the love of my life (whoever that may be!:-D).

2. How many times do you eat a day? (snacks included) Hmmm....counting snacks, normal day would be 4-5 times a day....LOL! :)

3. If you could go anywhere and spend a month where would it be? I think I'd go and visit Olivia. Though if I'm there for a month, she might start to dislike me! :o That would not be a good thing!

4. Do you like your middle name? Michaela isn't my favorite name, but it does flow nicely with "Emily"

5. How many pictures do you take a month? Hmm...not a lot, really, which is crazy since I scrapbook.

6. How many times do you post on your blog a week? I post 1-2 times a week.

7. Are you happy with the amount of followers you have? Actually, no; I would love to have more followers on V.O.T.I!

8. Do you think you could write better questions? No, and I don't think I shall try! :)
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Rules:

1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.

2. For each question push the next button to get your answer.

3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds.

4. Tag 20 Friends.

5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.

6. Have fun!

Questions:

1. If someone says "are you okay" you say?
"Joy to the World": Chris Tomlin :)

2. What would best describe your personality?
"He's Got the Whole World in His Hands": Randy Travis

3. How would you describe yourself?
"Indescribable":Chris Tomlin (I PROMISE you this was not rigged!!!)

4. What do you like in a guy/ girl?
"With One Voice":Steven Curtis Chapman

5. How do you feel today?
"Forever": Chris Tomlin

6. What is your life's purpose?
"Shadow of Your Wings": Casting Crowns

7. What's your motto?
"This is What I'm Fighting For": Steven Curtis Chapman

8. What do your friends think of you?
"Exalted (Yahweh)":Chris Tomlin

9. What do your parents think of you?
"Rejoice!": Chris Tomlin

10. What do you think about very often?
"Mercy": Casting Crowns

11. What is 2 + 2?
"Let Your Mercy Rain": Chris Tomlin

12. What do you think of your best friend?
"God Almighty": Chris Tomlin

13. What do you think of the person you like?
"Overflowing": Chris Tomlin

14. What is your life story?
"Miracle of the Moment" Steven Curtis Chapman

15. What do you want to be when you grow up?
"Come Thou Long Expected Jesus": Christy Norkels (on Chris Tomlin's "Glory in the Highest")

16. What do you think when you see the person you like?
"Three Wooden Crosses": Randy Travis

17. What will you do at your wedding?
"Behold the Lamb": Keith and Krysten Getty

18. What will they play at your funeral?
"At Your feet":Casting Crowns

19. What is your hobby/ interest?
"One Heartbeat at a Time": Steven Curtis Chapman

20. What is your biggest fear?
"Jesus Messiah": Chris Tomlin

21. What is your biggest secret?
"This is Our God": Chris Tomlin

22. What do you want right now?
"Always Enough": Casting Crowns

23. What do you think of your friends?
"Love Lifted Me": Randy Travis

24. What is the one thing you regret?
"With Me": Chris Tomlin

25. What makes you laugh?
"Captured": Chris Tomlin

26. What makes you cry?
"He's My Rock, My Sword, My Shield": Randy Travis

27. Will you ever get married?
"Praise the Father, Praise the Son": Chris Tomlin

28. What scares you the most?
"Glorious"

29. Does anyone like you?
"Faith in You": Randy Travis

30. If you could go back in time, what would you change?
"The Wonderful Cross": Chris Tomlin (just for the record, I WOULD NOT change this!)

31. What would you want to say to the person who tagged you?
"The Noise We Make": Chris Tomlin

32. What will you name this note?
"Four Walls": Randy Travis

I don't think I'll be able to tag the 20 people, but I do tag:

~Olivia

~Jennifer

~Annie

~Amanda

~Lydia

~Emili


If I didn't tag you, but you still want to answer these awesome little quizzes, feel free! Let us know if you do decide to complete them so we can stop by your blog (please leave the link so that will be possible!), or, if you don't have a blog, email us your answers at voicesoftheinnocent@gmail.com . Looking forward to hearing from you!

--Emily--

Christmas Carol Favorite #3: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

--Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconcile!

Joyful all ye nations rise! Join the triumph of the skies! With

Angelic hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark!

The heral angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!--

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! God bless!

--Emily--

Another Christmas Favorite: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

--Come Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free!

From our sins and fears release us, let us find our rest in Thee!

Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art!

Dear desire of every nation! Joy of every longing heart!--

-Charles Wesley's "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" (verse 1)-

Merry Christmas!

--Emily--

Christmas Carol: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

I love Christmas music! I absolutely love the carols we sing at church, and listening to different artist’s (especially Chris Tomlin’s! : >) versions of these beautiful songs! I thought it would be fun to post some of my favorite carols on here. If you have favorite, please feel free to share it with us (we’re in love with comments, so you’re going to hear me talk about feedback a lot!)!

It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old! While angels bending near the earth did touch their hearts of gold! Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, from heaven’s all gracious King! The world in silent stillness lay to hear the angels sing

       --It Came Upon a Midnight Clear--

Merry Christmas!

--Emily--

May This Be the Desire of our Hearts...

Shine, Jesus, shine! Fill our hearts with the Father’s glory!

Blaze, Spirit, blaze! Set our hearts on fire!

Flow, River, flow! Flood the nations with grace and mercy!

Send forth Your Word, and Lord, let there be light!

--Author Unknown--

May the words and message of this song forever be the desire of our souls!



--Emily--

"No Chains on Me"

I LOVE this song!!  From the first time that I heard it, it became one of my favorites by Chris Tomlin (I have MANY!!)!! =)  We should be singing this song at the top of our lungs!!  "No chains on me!" I hope that you never get sick of praising out Lord, Jesus Christ for taking upon Himself our chains to make us free!!  He left His glory above to become a ransom for many!!  

~Olivia~ 

"Like a rolling stone, like a runaway train
No turning back, no more yesterdays
My heart is free, no chains on me
God, You raise me up, up from the grave
The cross before, I'm on my way
My heart is free, no chains on me"
~Chris Tomlin's "No Chains on Me"
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/chris-tomlin-lyrics/no-chains-on-me-lyrics.html]

"I Will Follow"

Hey, 

Here is the song of the week!!  This week we are going to strive to follow Christ, and I want to know how you are doing that!!  Let me know!! 

~Olivia~ 

"Where you go, I'll go
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you"  

~Chris Tomlin's "Follow You"

I'm Waiting...

I'm waiting, I'm waiting on you Lord, though it is painful...patiently I will wait! I will move ahead, bold and confident-taking every step in obedience.

--While I'm waiting! I will worship while I'm waiting! I will serve you while I'm waiting! I will not fail! I'll be running the race, even while I wait!--

I absolutely love this song! It reminds me that no matter the circumstance, I must be worshiping, serving and following Jesus. The path the Lord has chosen for me may be painful at times, but I must always remember the prize I am running for-and that I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me; because of this truth, it is utterly impossible for me to fail, as long as I keep my eyes on the KING!

I've been waiting for the Lord to work with V.O.T.I.-and I believe that He is and will continue to do so! We haven't had a huge amount of people commit to letter writing (yet! =D), but God is leading people to become involved with our ministry. It's exciting to see God at work, and I am praying that He continues to move!

God bless!

--Emily--