The year was 2011. I was in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the Relevant (now Allume) Conference. One evening the music was provided by two musicians I’d never heard of, but there music was good and the artists were incredibly talented. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t anything exceptionally special, at least not to me at that time.
I had the opportunity to hear these two women sing again this past April at Kris Camealy’s Refine Retreat in Ohio. The first night they sang, I was incredibly wiped out and left before it was over. I had to get some rest. My dad had died one month before. I’d traveled over 10,000 miles the month of March and I needed rest more than I needed to hear the songs and praise music.
The next day and night, I was rested and the music spoke to me in ways that were overpowering and soul-stirring.
The weight of the load I had been carrying for months was lifted and I felt a peace I had not had in some time.
The darkness covering my eyes was removed and I was invited to leave my troubles at the cross.
AGAIN. Only this time? I chose to leave them there and not pick them up.
The artists whose words spoke so eloquently into my soul?
There voices are like silk on soft baby skin. Like butter oozing into the pockets of a fresh, hot roll right out of the oven, then topped with honey.
Their album More Than Rubies has so many songs on it that speak to me, I don’t think I can chose a favorite. But Shepherd God is speaking to me today. Because I have troubles that I want to leave at His feet. Here are the lyrics and you can listen to the song here on iTunes.
SHEPHERD GOD
I took my troubles to the Lord
And I laid them at His feet
My knees had buckled beneath the weight
But my Lord reached out for me
Oh, my Shepherd God
How He loves his flock
How He seeks the lost
And the least of us
I am tended by my Lord
In my Lord I trust
He lifted me like an injured lamb
And he carried me back home
Where His Word is alive and His truth is a song
That restores the weary soul
Oh, my Shepherd God
How He loves his flock
How He seeks the lost
And the least of us
I am tended by my Lord
In my Lord I trust
Christa & Nicole will be singing this weekend at the Allume Conference again. I had planned to be there, but since I was seriously ill this last month, I cannot travel. I won’t get to hear them, but I will continue to listen to their music.
These days, I cannot get enough of their music and I play it often.
In honor of my birthday (which is tomorrow) I am giving away a copy of their CD More Than Rubies, if you already own this album, then I will let you chose another one of their albums.
To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post. For an additional entry, tweet or leave a post on Facebook, then come back and leave an additional comment letting me know you did so with a link to the tweet or FB post. I will use Random.org to choose a winner and announce the winner on the blog on Monday, if you don’t already subscribe, then maybe you want to, just in case you win! The contest closes at midnight Friday, October 24th.
These women are certainly artists that let their lights shine!
You can get to know a bit more about them by watching this video.
This is music that speaks to me.
What music speaks to you?
I will be purchasing a CD to give away. I purchased my own CD and did not
receive any complimentary music for this post.
There are NO affiliate links in this post. All photos are the property of Mary Bonner
and taken by me. They may not be used or copied without permission.
Oh dear! So very sorry to hear you've been so ill! How awful! I sure hope you recover fully very soon, and I pray that you have a very special birthday tomorrow! So sorry that you aren't able to go to Allume, either! Trusting that the Lord's purposes will prevail even in these setbacks. Strength to you, and thank you for hosting this giveaway!
Mary! I am so sad that I won't see you at Allume! 🙁 I am beyond blessed by ALL things Christa and Nicole!!!!!!! They are forever faves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Music can make such a huge difference to me too. These ladies are beautiful (and so many kids! ha) and their voices are beautiful too. Thanks for sharing this with us. Praying you're still recovering well.
One of my favorite songs right now that speaks to me is "It Is Well" by Bethel. Oh my. My daughter learned to play and sing it, and sang it for me over the weekend. Very moving.
Happiest of birthdays to you Mary! And continued prayers for your healing! Thank you for introducing me to these artist. I am only asking that if by chance my entry wins, please give it to the next entry following me as I would love to pay it forward as well.
Oh dear! So very sorry to hear you've been so ill! How awful! I sure hope you recover fully very soon, and I pray that you have a very special birthday tomorrow! So sorry that you aren't able to go to Allume, either! Trusting that the Lord's purposes will prevail even in these setbacks. Strength to you, and thank you for hosting this giveaway!
Lately I have been listening to an older Chris Tomlin CD.Like you, I am so grateful for music which can so lighten the load. Blessings, to you Mary!
Mary! I am so sad that I won't see you at Allume! 🙁 I am beyond blessed by ALL things Christa and Nicole!!!!!!! They are forever faves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I retweeted you!
Music can make such a huge difference to me too. These ladies are beautiful (and so many kids! ha) and their voices are beautiful too. Thanks for sharing this with us. Praying you're still recovering well.
One of my favorite songs right now that speaks to me is "It Is Well" by Bethel. Oh my. My daughter learned to play and sing it, and sang it for me over the weekend. Very moving.
Happiest of birthdays to you Mary! And continued prayers for your healing! Thank you for introducing me to these artist. I am only asking that if by chance my entry wins, please give it to the next entry following me as I would love to pay it forward as well.
Praying you had a blessed birthday! I am so late in getting here. Krista Wells is amazing! Hugs!