Music of My Heart

Evan has had this gift card for downloading music for a very long time. We keep talking about what songs we want to download, but never do it. Well, today I decided to just do it. I called him at work and confirmed what songs he wanted and finally used up that gift card.

One song that I really like is by Matthew West called “One Less”. He asked his fans to send in letters about their lives and he made an entire album based on many of those letters. This song is in response to a letter about a family who was adopting a child. I encourage you to at least listen to a snippet of it. It’s great! In fact, I bought the entire album because I’ve always liked Matthew West’s music. But, as you know, I have a heart for adoption. This song is very moving to me. I am proud to say that Nicholas is “one less”.

There’s another song going around right now by Sanctus Real called “Lead Me” that I feel is very powerful. I’m going to say something extremely unpopular and I’m not going to apologize for it. I want my husband to lead me. I want him to be the leader of my family. We as women often want to take that control. We’re told to be our own person. But, when you’re married, you’re one. That doesn’t mean that you cannot have your own mind, but neither male nor female should try to control the other person. I want Evan to be my protector. I want him to look out for the best interests of this family. Marriage needs to be about love, respect, and commitment.

This song was written out of a real life situation. This couple was having marriage problems. The husband was supporting his family, but never around. He was on tour a lot. The wife wasn’t innocent in the matter either. There was tension and strife. They didn’t know how to resolve conflict. So, they went to God for healing. They decided to fight for their marriage. This song was written for his wife. But, she felt that it was something that could benefit others. I know it has moved both Evan and me. I don’t always do the best job of letting Evan lead, but it truly is the desire of my heart.

The third song that I want to talk about is “Our God” by Chris Tomlin. We sing this one at church a lot and it gets to me every time. We all have things going on in our lives that are just plain difficult. I don’t think anyone is immune. I just don’t understand why people want to go through it alone. The bridge of this song is my favorite part:

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us


And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?


And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us


And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?


What can stand against?



Would your trials be different if you knew that God was on your side? If you knew that nothing could stand against Him? Nothing. Evan and I had an interesting conversation the other night about unanswered prayer.

I think the fact that God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want is what people use as an excuse to turn away from Him. I just think about all the prayers I’ve prayed that God has said, “No, I have a better way.”

Being the proud human being that I am, I always think my way is better. I always have to figure it out. But, if I got all my prayers answered the way I wanted, then I wouldn’t have met Evan. I wouldn’t have adopted Nicholas. I wouldn’t have a lot of the wonderful experiences that I did because my plans were so different.

I know I’m kind of on a tangent, but I really feel that even in life’s hardest moments, God knows the reason. He knows the purpose. And, he’s going to use it for His glory. We don’t always understand it and may not get our answers this side of heaven. But, I choose to stand with a God that is always by my side.

I didn’t intend to get preachy, but all three of these songs really speak to my heart and I highly recommend them.