When I can't find the words

Long time no write! Thousands of times over the past year, I meant to write a post, I would have a title and a topic in my mind and everything, but I never got around to it. Major life events? I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, went to Walt Disney World (planned it all myself, too!), said "goodbye!" to my gallbladder...that's basically it for the major things I guess. Today it is quiet, nothing on TV really, not much to do, and here I sit - at my computer - with something to share!

I was thinking about how songs and music can so often describe what we feel and explain what we can't, even though the song was written by someone else that we've never met. I have this a lot; certain songs just explain...so much about what's going on. Right now...it's just been a tough few months, filled with people I care about leaving/moving, serious physical issues (incl. surgery), and a major (unwanted) transition at work. It has been hard to deal with it all, all at once. There are two songs that actually have been helping me A LOT recently, which I will share. Both are by Skillet (I tend to really relate to Christian rock songs overall. Something about the edginess relates well to frustration & stress, but the lyrics, if you truly listen to them, are uplifting. To me, anyways).

Song #1: Sick of It
See the music video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHzU-9iozmo
I connect with this song because it's about overcoming things that can be hidden and internal but have a huge impact on your life, your outlook, how you feel about yourself, etc. To me, the song is about taking control and no longer just "dealing with it." In a way, it kind of brings to mind that commercial about controlling asthma that says "coping isn't controlling." I think that we all do this about something or another. I have been thinking about that since I just recently read Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge (recommended!) and it also talked about how we tend to "stuff it down" and put on a facade, which really just makes things harder. "Sick of it" is kind of about saying that you're not going to take that anymore -- "take a stand, raise your hands if you're sick of it!"

Song #2: What I believe
For this one, I will copy the lyrics (it doesn't have a music video as of yet). This song has been helpful to me in redirecting my focus away from the stress & worry & frustration and onto the One who is in control and what is really important in life.  Sometimes I need reminding and need to change worry into trust.

The world around me is lost in misery
The only good I've got in my life is you
No meaning, no other reason
When everything feels wrong I feel right with you
So madly, desperate, deeply obsessed,
Your love is better than mine to me.
Can I have this moment forever?

Take me to the beginning

You are what I believe
I’ll live and die for you
This is all that I need
When nothing is real you are my truth
In the darkness you shine
Can you keep me safe tonight?
When I’m down on my knees
You are what I believe

When we started whole-hearted
I never needed anything or anyone else
I was broken – you made me whole again
The only one I trusted more than myself
So madly, desperate, deeply
I will live for you completely
Can I have this moment forever?

Take me to the beginning

You are what I believe
I’ll live and die for you
This is all that I need
When nothing is real you are my truth
In the darkness you shine
Can you keep me safe tonight?
When I’m down on my knees
You are what I believe

Believe in your love, believe in your life
Believe that you can put me back together on the inside
Chase all the fear away
Every time I speak your name
Take me – you are what I believe

You are what I believe
I’ll live and die for you
This is all that I need
When nothing is real you are my truth
In the darkness you shine
Can you keep me safe tonight?
When I’m down on my knees
You are what I believe