"Please Don't Stop the Music"

I know it's not Saturday, but I wanted to talk about music anyways.

I was driving my car a month or so ago, and my passenger saw a cd in the console, I think it was this one about the Mass, and he asked me about it. Then he asked me if I listened to Christian music, too. The discussion went on to cover the "quality" of music. I think he had convinced himself that all Christian music was boring and/or "cheesy." And truth be told, I used to feel the same way sort of. I mean really, there isn't a lot of Christian music on the Top 100 list, now is there? Slowly over time, however, mostly through friends' recommendations, the internet, and every once in a while the mainstream (especially country music), I'm starting to find more songs and artists that I enjoy.

I used to think that it didn't really matter if I listened to specifically Christian music. It didn't mean I was a bad Catholic. I still went to Mass and prayed. But just as I am trying to read more books that strengthen my faith, I've been listening to more music that I hope will do the same. And then the other day, it hit me. I was walking from my car into a store with my daughters and a song started running through my head. "Our God is an awsome God" kept repeating over and over. As I realized this, I smiled. Now my thoughts were on God, even when I hadn't purposely put them there! How AWESOME is that?!?!?!

In case you are wondering, some of my current favorites are...

..."I Saw God Today" by George Strait. How wonderful to be able to look at the little things in life and see God in them.

..."Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood. This is probably not a shocker, as it has been pretty popular recently, but it definitely reminds me of Who should be in charge.

..."There's a Life Inside You" by Matthew West. A great pro-life song.

..."Shout to the Lord" from the American Idol Gives Back show. I didn't see the actual show, but I found the song on Itunes. I was excited that this song was given this kind of an outlet and I wanted to show my support. But I also enjoy it and the song reminds me to give it my all when I worship God, to not just whisper (although that's okay too, sometimes) but to SHOUT out my praise.


Of course, if you have any recommendations, I'd love to have them.

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Create Your Own Holy Water Fonts

I found this link over at First Heralds. I think it's such a great idea. I've been looking a little bit at fonts, because I think I want to put them in our new house, and this came along at the perfect time. It's wonderful because I can get Isabel involved. She's pretty aware of the fonts at church, even though some days she doesn't seem as interested.

If you haven't visited First Heralds yet, it's a new blog "helping toddlers and preschoolers learn about the Catholic Faith." They have some wonderful ideas for May. I'm so excited about this blog because I need all of the help I can get.

This Says It All...

Thanks Sarah!

Where did the blog title come from?

Lord, guide and guide the men who fly

Through the great spaces of the sky;

Be with them traversing the air

In darkening storms or sunshine fair.

Thou who dost keep with tender might

The balanced birds in all their flight,

Thou of the tempered winds, be near,

That, having Thee, they know no fear.

Control their minds with instinct fit

What time, adventuring, they quit

The firm security of land;

Grant steadfast eye and skillful hand.

Aloft in solitudes of space,

Uphold them with Thy saving grace.

O God, protect the men who fly

Through lonely ways beneath the sky.

These are the words to official hymn of the US Air Force. I know this because we used to sing it at the end of Mass at the Air Force Academy (only the first and fourth verses). Obviously it's geared toward pilots, which at one time I thought I was going to be (but that's another story). It apparently touched me so much that I had "Lord, Guard and Guide" engraved in my class ring. It just so neatly wrapped up what I constantly ask God. So when I was deciding to start this blog, I knew I needed to have a great name. I'm not all that witty so I was getting frustrated when I couldn't come up with something. There are so many great names of blogs out there. Then last night, as I was falling asleep, or was it while I was nursing my youngest, or maybe I was falling asleep nursing :) that it came to me. Lord, Guard and Guide... perfect. So here it is, and here I am. If you want a little more info on the song, look here. Of course you can always Google for more info.

Lord, guard my children from the evils of this world and guide them in all that they do. Guard the unborn and guide the hearts of those considering abortion. Guard what I write here from anything that is not Your will and guide me to share Your love with those that read my words.

Amen