One's Top 10 Songs/Artists

1. Amazing Grace with/on Bagpipes. Such a timeless song. I feel connected to those who have gone before when I listen to it. It reminds me of this verse:"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us."(Hebrews 12:1) To me, the cloud of witnesses are those who have gone before, who know how hard it is and who are watching us and cheering us. Sometimes, I feel their presence and it comforts me.
2. Forever and For Always by Shania Twain. Shania Twain is on my top ten lists for artists and this song is one of my favorites. When I listen to it I imagine that Jesus is singing it to me and I feel loved.
3. Beautiful Day by U2. This was the song we played at our wedding just as the pastor introduced us as a couple and we walked back down the aisle. "The heart is a bloom that shoots up through the stony ground......the bird with a leaf in her mouth, After the flood all the colors came out" Redemption, pain leads to growth and beauty, hope, it's a theme for me.
4. Stay For A While by Amy Grant. When I listen to this song I feel warm and sunny in a nostalgic way. It reminds me of times past and treasured friends who were so important to me at different times of my life.
5. Pat a Pan by David Archuleta. A slightly different take on my all-time favorite Christmas song, the little drummer boy. It's not the same song, but it shares elements. I love David Archuleta's voice. I also like his song Riu Riu Chiu.
6. Frou Frou. This is one of my top artists to put on repeat. Their songs are so mellow and beautiful. Favorite songs: Hear Me Out and Let Go. "Let go, jump in, it's so amazing, it's all right 'cause there's beauty in the breakdown" Love to find beauty in the breakdown. ;-) "such boundless pleasure there's no time for later" Living in the moment, I love it. This song is boundless pleasure. Music therapy.
7. I Love You by Donna Lewis. This song just makes me happy. "out of the stillness, soft spoken words: I love you, always, forever..." and one of the best lines in a song ever: "You've got, the most Unbelievable blue eyes I've ever seen""As we lay there under a blue sky with pure white stars, exotic sweetness, a magical time". Romance, Magic, Wonder. Sofia calls this her song.
8. Far Away by Nickelback. After ten years of marriage (or as best friends or sisters), we all probably at one time or another need to hear "I love you. I've loved you all along. I forgive you." While forgiveness is a popular theme, not many songs actually say "I forgive you" in the positive. I find it powerful. Also love their song If Everyone Cared. "And I'm singing Amen... I'm Alive!!"
9. Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield. I have read that you should focus more on your strengths than your weaknesses. Having a rich inner life is a strength for me, while relating to people publicly/socially causes me the most stress. This song helps me celebrate what I have. I HAVE a beautiful inner place where I can go and rest. I HAVE a pocketful of sunshine that I can access whenever I need it. I love it! Nice imagery.
10. Beauty For Ashes by Crystal Lewis. I am so thankful for the promises that God has given us and that God is good. These twelve words I would like to make into a necklace or bracelet and wear with me: Beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness for mourning, peace for despair.

Honorable Mention:

• Will You Be There by Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson was so talented, a genius in music and dance. And so wounded and sad. His life was an amazing triumph AND tragedy. I hope that he found forgiveness both before and after his death. I loved his music.
• Fields of Gold by Eva Cassidy. Eva Cassidy is a new find for me. I love her voice and music.
• Para Continuar by Sara Valenzuela. Brand new find. I'm digging it.