Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Congrats Class of 2014!

I'm pretty pumped to share a list of songs that youth workers from Stillmeadow shared with me for our graduating seniors! There's some old and new stuff here, but all inspiring and challenging. And I've included their notes to the seniors below too!

YouTube Playlist here.
Spotify Playlist here

Jesus Freak by DC Talk  (Herb)
Because that’s what you are. May your life smell like the fragrance of bacon being prepared on the campsite at Ricketts Glen. (where we went for Excursion)
Help Me Find It by Sidewalk Prophets (Bonnie)
Going out into the world on your own can be pretty scary and confusing. Ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way.  Colossians 1:9b-10

Times  by Tenth Avenue North (Aubrey)
There will always be chaos outside of you in the world, and sometimes inside of you too. I pray that you'll re-member in the "times that you doubt him (God), the times you can't feel, the times that you question that His love is real," you'll know in the deepest part of who you are that He says, "My love is over, it's underneath, it's inside, it's inbetween." All you need to do is draw near...even a millimeter...and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8). Much much love!

Speak Life by Toby Mac (Jess)
In every situation you face, you have the power to speak life or speak darkness into others. Be the light!

Broken Hallelujah by Mandisa (Chas)
There are days that you will feel like your life is "in a thousand pieces." In those moments, turn it back to praise...broken as it may be. God is a good, pieces putter-together-er.

Find your Wings by Mark Harris (Patty)
"I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams and that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things." This world needs you to dare to do great things!

Praise You in this Storm by Casting Crowns (Lisa)
I praise God for all of you!

Defender by Kings Kaleidoscope (Evan)
Throughout this next step in your lives, there will be times when things simply get overwhelming. But always remember that Jesus is our defender and our redeemer. We have been redeemed not by perishable things like gold or silver, but by the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb. Through this redemption, we are free to live. Our defender in times of trouble will never leave or forsake you.

Carpe Diem by August Burns Red (Pastor Wayne)

Your Love Never Fails by Newsboys (Titus)
Just hearing the hope and promise of God when we may feel alone or defeated. His love will always be there. God will never fail us; His love endures forever. When life’s toils hit us hard, or when we have a champion’s day. God is with us and loves us every step of the way. Be strong and courageous, your heavenly father is rooting for you.

 Do Something by Matthew West (Kim Noel)
Graduates, you all have the power to do something...something that will help this World in little ways and big ways. God gave you this power, so go out and use it, and make a difference for HIS Glory!!

My Lighthouse by Rend Collective (Deb Staley)
As you leave the protective atmosphere of high school and your parent's home, may you always remember that Jesus, like a lighthouse for the seaman, will always be there shining in the darkness, waiting for you to trust in His promise and he'll be ready to carry you safe to shore no matter what the situation, He is the peace in your (and my) troubled sea of life here on earth.  One of my favorite things to do is to "go fast and far" in my boat with my family and enjoy the calming water and beautiful creating that God has provided for my pleasure and peace.  I love you and will continue to lift each of you in prayer daily.

Take Everything by 7th Day Slumber (Nate Voorhees)
Remember to do everything you do as if you are doing it for Christ, and that worship is more than a style of worship. It's the way we need to live every second of every day.

Word of God Speak by Mercy Me (Don Strausbaugh)
As all you graduates go out into your big new worlds ahead of you...you may find yourself at some point at a loss for words where you will just need to.be still and know that He is with you, and then rest in His holiness...daily!!! The washing of the eyes to see His majesty is another part of that song that we all would do well to remember daily also! Blessings…

More Heart Less Attack by NEEDTOBREATHE (Mike Ames)
There will be many situations in life where forgiveness and mercy aren't the knee jerk reaction as followers of Jesus. It's how we need to react.

Bring the Rain by Mercy Me (Julie Callender)
Remember that rain only makes us grow, storms make us strong, and our God will always see you through every challenge in life, and use them to grow you into Oaks of Righteousness Isaiah 61:3b It has been an honor sharing in this last year of your high school journey, only the beginning...

We Are by Thousand Foot Krutch (Matt Forsythe)
We are the hope and the light of the future. We are one together with Christ's love.

Dare You To Move  by Switchfoot (Heather Kidwell)
It's a song about having faith and acting on your faith in God while people around you may not. During those times when you're feeling alone or defeated, it reminds you that God has put you where you're supposed to be and that you are supposed to do great things and be a ministry all your own.

Lose My Soul by Toby Mac (Jade Frederick)
Always remember that you are clay in His hands...and that NOTHING this world offers can take the place of God's presence in your life & heart!

I Will Go by Starfield (Natalie Staley)
Be willing to say yes and go where God leads you and as you are following his will for your life allow him to shape and mold you into the person he has made you to be. College or the workforce is the next step of where he is leading you, allow God to use you in whatever way he wants to while you are there.