How the light gets in

Sometimes I think, why would anyone want to read what I have to say. This is one of those times, so have a read at this guys blog instead...

http://howthelightgetsin.net/2010/08/22/days-that-matter/?ref=nf

The Robinsons

I. LOVE. these. guys!!!

Tomorrow is Paul and Brits wedding party for all the family and friends who didn't make it out to Detroit for the wedding. I'm really excited; not just so I can wear a funky dress with jelly shoes (yep thats what I said) but because I take great delight in these two and want to celebrate with them...again.

I'm a family person 100% and seeing two people step out and be brave enough to start their own family is pretty awesome! Paul and Brit are so perfect for each other and their relationship is so God centred, it makes me realise that I don't want to settle for anything less.

Paul and I have always been close and I guess after our Dad died we, even if we didn't always do it intentionally, we always looked out for one another. He's a guy who loves Jesus and is being changed and moulded by God all the time! He is also hands down (and I don't say this flippantly) the most hilarious person I know!!

So this girl Brit?...Wow, just, wow. Love her so so much. She loves Jesus, loves laughing, is incredibly wise, and does the best shoulder dance I've ever seen! I don't pour my heart out to people too often and Brit has definitely seen me with my heart on my sleeve. I've been spoilt this summer to have had my new sister around and will miss her loads but its almost worth it just to have a Brittany greeting at the airport!!

Ok, enough gushing but I wanted to write a little blog on two great people because affirmation is important and we should NEVER take people for granted!

Love you guys!

Sarah

On Tuesday one of my best friends died. Sarah Hanna was a truly special girl and wonderfully made in the image of God. She was selfless, compassionate, talented and always believed in me and supported me. I loved her with a love that aches and am privileged and blessed to have had her in my life. These are some of my fondest memories and I will store them in my heart and praise God for them.

I remember...one of our first conversations, at the Tech Music Schools freshers night in Camden Lock. Annabel Williams, one of our vocal teachers was performing and after only 30 seconds Sarah and I turned to one another, smiled in an excited way and couldn't wait to learn a few things from the lovely and talented Annabel.

I remember...booking practice rooms and plugging our mics into the PA and singing through our cheesiest backing tracks and some not so cheesy. Our affinity with India Arie's 'Ready for love' was cool and I'll think of Sarah everytime I sing it.

I remember...the first time I heard her sing! Beautiful is not a worthy enough word. She was such a talented singer and piano player and I learned so much from her!

I remember...sitting in the cafe, stealing Wi-Fi and chatting about myspace and watching the video of her singing 'Listen' by Beyonce. She told me I need to get some videos up on Youtube! I must get round to doing that!

I remember...our tradition of getting a full English breakfast in the middle of the afternoon and trying to persuade them to just top up the tea pot with hot water and not charge us for a new pot!

I remember...all the times that Sarah stayed over at my flat during our year at tech because she lived quite far out. Even though she stayed at least once a week she never came prepared! I was always joking about buying her pyjamas, a toothbrush and general over night essentials and giving her a drawer at mine! Everytime I wear my green Abercrombie hoodie I'll think of Sarah because it always kept her warm when she stayed over.

I remember...the joy when she rang at 11pm asking could she trouble me by staying the night?...'get your ass over here girl' was always my response. I miss our late night chats and laughing, alongside numerous cups of tea!!

I remember...being involved with the Global Peace celebrations in London with her and her family and friends. We sang with Ola Onabule and it was such an honour to be part of the event, even though I was ill and had to rush home after...but Sarah still phoned me to see if I was ok.

I remember...the first time I met her sisters; so much fun and so lovely. I pray we will remain friends.

I remember...meeting her Dad because Sarah was so proud of him and greeted him with a huge hug. Family always came first with Sarah...it was just how she rolled. Sarah has shown me that there are more important things than careers and even this music industry that we were all so eager to be part of. Her passion and heart was for helping people and whether that was in music or something else, it was a road she would follow.

I remember...chatting about God and community and so I shared my faith with her and then we talked about music (as we usually did) and I played her some Foy Vance and Nichole Nordeman on the ipod.

I remember...when she cut her hair and how even more stunning she looked (if that was possible). She made me laugh because she insisted on wearing extensions sometimes.

I remember...only a few months into my move to London, I was living on my own and had the flu. Even though I had made other friends, she was the only one I felt I could ask to bring me some supplies...she arrived at my door with a hug, painkillers, honey, lemon, pastries and proceeded to make me some tea and looked after me. I will never forget that.

I remember...when Sarah taught me the chords to 'To make you feel my love' by Bob Dillan and we recorded it on garageband!

I remember...when we planned to go down to the Spice of Life and do their open mic and sing our acoustic version of 'About you now' by the Sugababes...circumstance meant that we never got round to it but I went one night on my own and it just wasn't the same.

I remember...how she used to call me Baby Boo.

I remember...going to the restaurant in Tower Bridge where she played piano every Friday and Saturday night. I sang a few tunes and didn't have to pay for my dinner!

I remember...after only knowing each other a week or two, she sent me a birthday card with the most lovely message inside saying that it was lovely to meet me and that she was looking forward to getting to know me better...It was then that I knew I'd made a special friend and was grateful to God for allowing our paths to cross.

I remember...during our live performance workshop one week, she forgot the words to the song and wasn't for continuing or perhaps in the mood for bluffing her way through like the rest of us did..so she stood with her hand on her hip for the rest of the song. It was the funniest thing!

I remember...getting a lift with Annabel to her gig at the Vortex Jazz Club with Sarah and Suse...Noel Sullivan from Hear'Say was in the front seat!! I'll never forget the laugh we had that night and how we sang Il Divo songs on the way home!

I remember...how she always encouraged me to just sound like me!

I remember...her surprise and impromptu visits to my flat, especially the night I was heading out to work and was stressing over my eyeliner! She was always amazing at eye-makeup so she did it for me.

I remember...letting her stay in the flat on occasion while I went out for my shifts at the Redback. She loved being able to make herself at home and left me a note one time which I still have!

I remember...getting ready for our showcases round at mine.

I remember...when I visited Sarah in the rehabilitation centre; in the midst of her struggle, she was still asking the other patients how they were and what they were up to. I've learned how to be a better friend because of Sarah.

I remember...the first time she stayed over at mine and in the morning we were drinking tea and she read some Pride and Prejudice to us. Sarah, 'Netherfield Park is let at last!'

My lovely, beautiful friend Sarah. I'll never forget any of these times we shared. You have blessed my life and all I have is gratitude to offer to God for placing you in it!

Much love,

Baby Boo x

John Mayer 'Belief'

Here's another video for your listening AND viewing pleasure! Mr John Mayer at Brixton Academy 2 years ago. I'm off to hear him play tonight at the Hammersmith Appollo so it seems like a good time to share this video. I'm continuing with my series of videos that I've loved over the years and I'm rather proud of this one coz I took it! Its not awesome quality but it will always remind me of a great evening in my musical education! Enjoy!

Awake my soul

Every now and then, I hear a song that stirs something inside me. I'm moved by music all the time but you know the songs that just make your insides ache in a really good way?! Well, 'Awake my soul' by Mumford and Sons is one such song for me and when I first heard it I thought, thats a real God song. I have no idea where this band stand on their belief in God or Jesus or if they have any but 'awake my soul' is a powerful lyric nonetheless. Even the style of their music; the rawness and simplicity of it draws me back to the small and feeble prayers of the human soul that I've uttered on so many occassions. One thing I do know is that Jesus loves our prayers even and especially when they are filled with questions! I hope you enjoy the video.

How fickle my heart and how woozy my eyes
I struggle to find any truth in your lies
And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know
This weakness I feel I must finally show

Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all
But lend me your heart and I'll just let you fall
Lend me your eyes I can change what you see
But your soul you must keep, totally free
Har har, har har, har har, har har

In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die
Where you invest your love, you invest your life
In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die
Where you invest your love, you invest your life

Awake my soul, awake my soul
Awake my soul
You were made to meet your maker
Awake my soul, awake my soul
Awake my soul
You were made to meet your maker
You were made to meet your maker

Mi Mancherai

As I was checking my emails this morning and Facebook of course, I realised that a day doesn't go by where I don't check out a video that someone has posted. Hence, I've decided to post a series of my favourite videos I've found or been directed to by people. I don't think they'll need much introduction; they are what they are I guess. So here's the first...it never fails to move me and is just one of the many reasons I still have faith in the music industry. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJwNS-FPXOI

Corrie ten Boom

'God has planned no problem...there's never a panic in heaven'

We recently did a series in church about the heroes of the Christian faith and the woman quoted above is a lady called Corrie ten Boom who died in 1983. In 1940 she and her family were involved in the Dutch underground where they hid refugess and rescued many Jews from death during the Haulocaust. Her story is so powerful and has reminded me that God's truth really does shine brightest in dark times. I haven't read her book yet but its on the list. She shares so many amazing stories of God's provision in supernatural ways. She carried around with her a spirit of thankfulness in the most horrible situation; she used to give thanks for the fleas that surrounded them as they hid and it turns out that was the very reason the guards never came into their space and so they were able to have their services and share Jesus with everyone.

The reason I'm sharing Corrie with you is that there was one other thing that she talked about which has meant a lot to me recently. She used to talk about getting on the train with her father when she was a child. Her father would keep hold of her ticket until they were just about to get on and then give it to her. I always forget that God will provide for me just at the moment I need it most. Isn't that amazing, that God knows when we are most in need and gives us what we need. At the moment I'm still struggling with earning money and I'm praying for so many thing but god knows when I will truly need it. My friends Val and Brit are in the middle of a situation regarding finding a house. They have a deadline and I'm know God will provide for them!

The greatest thing I have learned, probably thus far in my Christian walk is that God wants me to seek his provision, to actually pray and discern over my desires....and ask for them! Why is it we always assume that God doesn't want us to have something and we don't seek it because we feel selfish. Gods agenda for us doesn't include lacking, pain, sickness, depression, poverty...we will have to endure these things at times but never to the point of breaking. We just have to wait patiently for a time when God is going to fix it. In the meantime though, lets pray against the darkness around us like Corrie did and expect God to show up!

'God has planned no problem...there's never a panic in heaven' Corrie ten Boom