Monday, January 30, 2012

Music and a Giveaway

Music is a big deal for me.

You probably know that, because I write about songs that inspire me all the time. In my Bible Study lesson last week, I think Beth Moore said it best: A song helps us communicate something we may not otherwise say. Our whole lesson was on song, in fact. My eyes were opened as to how much the Bible references more unexpected uses of song and singing.

Psalm 32:7 says that the Lord sings "songs of deliverance" over us whenever we are afraid.

Job 35:10 says that God gives us songs in the dark of night.

Zephaniah 3:17 says that the Lord delights over us with singing.

Job 38: 4-7 says that while God was creating the earth, the angels and stars were singing together!

Psalm 63:5 says that singing lips are the result of a satisfied soul.

1 Corinthians 14:15 says that we can sing with our spirit, but also we can sing with our minds.

Revelation 5:13 says that every creature in heaven - can you picture that? - is praising God.

Isaiah 55:12 says that mountains will burst forth into song.

And Deuteronomy 31:19-22 expresses that a song greatly enhances our ability to memorize! Don't we all know this? You have to read this passage. When God is telling Moses what to teach His people, He actually tells Moses to teach them in a song. It is in the text, and it is a long one! But God knew a song was the best way to root His truth and promises into the hearts of His people. How did I miss this in the past?

(All of the above is from Beth Moore's study Stepping Up.)

So yesterday, I was in the car with the kids and we were listening to a Christian CD. I was amazed as I focused on how well my kids knew the words, and how familiar they are with all the current songs on Christian radio and the ones we sing in church. It was beautiful, really. To hear those little voices singing, "How He loves us, oooooh, how He loves us..."

I've written about this before, but it's time to bring it up again. Driving in the car is the perfect time to be instilling our children with truth through song. Many times, they are literally memorizing Scripture unaware.

And that's why I want to give one of you this CD!


Rob Biagi is an awesome Christian musician and performer for children, and he is phenomenal. I actually love Rob's music. He has such a heart for children, and his passion to teach them God's word is felt throughout. His songs speak to my heart, as well, because He is speaking truth we all need. And his are the only CDs that don't eventually annoy me. (I can only take so much Veggie Tales, I'm sorry.) We have several of his CDs, but this is his newest. You can follow him on Facebook here.

To enter my giveaway, just leave a comment! If you like Rob Biagi Music on Facebook, leave a comment for an additional entry. I'll have the random number thingy pick a winner on Wednesday night, okay?

Regardless, I'd encourage you to find some good Christian music to put on in your car and in your house. Especially if the tensions start to rise, like in the evenings, or whenever your family hits that "witching hour." Search for Christian radio stations in your area online and then program them in your first couple spots on your car stereo. Even mainstream stores like Wal-Mart and Target carry Christian CDs if you don't have a local Christian bookstore. And don't forget about Pandora. Oh, how I love Pandora! Don't you? There are a lot of good artists out there, and Pandora exposes me to new ones all the time.

For the sake of us all, if you have a favorite CD or encouraging way to lift your family up through music, please share! We can't ever get too much of it.

{OH! And don't forget to check out my latest Mentoring post on Casey's blog here.}


Linking up with my friend Jami....

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21 comments:

  1. I've never heard of him before - but he sounds like fun! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  2. thanks for the info - i am always looking for something new for my children....

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  3. Love this-- It's like you stole the words out of my brain. :)
    We listen to Christian radio exclusively-- not because we're some grand, spiritual giants. It started a few years back when the car radio broke and happened to be stuck on the local Christian station. But at some point in that stretch, the radio got fixed, and we continued to listen BY CHOICE. And it is so, so cool to hear the little voices from the back seat singing along to both the contemporary Christian and the "oldie, but goodies" our local station plays. There is something just so moving knowing their little hearts are taking in deep, spiritual truths. And it's pretty awesome when they can sing along to all the songs at church, too! :)

    So yes. We love Christian music!

    Never heard of the guy whose CD you're giving away-- but hey! We'd love to give it a try! :)

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  4. I love to hear my children sing p&w tunes at the top of their lungs!
    It brings joy toy heart and tears to my eyes.
    I've not heard of this rob dude but I trust you that he's great...
    Even though that yellow tee is kinda scary!
    Hahahahaha!

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  5. Rob is the best! I hope that you give his CD to someone who hasn't discovered how great he is. :)

    I wanted to add that http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/ this website has CDs (affordable!) that have "straight up scripture" set to cool music that my kids, my husband and I love. I have the Courage one. They send two identical CDS when you order so that you can have one and give one to a friend. And not irritating (as, say, our awana cd's can be.) :)

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  6. Love that verse from Job! Many times God has used music to minister in my life. We have an awesome Christian radio station in our area, and it's such a joy! I'm visiting from SDG. Thanks for sharing these verses. Blessings!

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  7. I would love to win this....it would be perfect for our upcoming 7 hour road trip! jlkeehn3 at hotmail dot com

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  8. I was raised on children's Gaither Trio. You never forget the songs...they have lasting power. I would love for my boys to have more of these words of love and verses planted in their hearts. Thank you for the opportunity.

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  9. I also would recommend the Seeds Family Worship CD's! They are a fantastic way to memorize Scripture. My kiddos LOVE them. Also, the Rizers (at www.therizers.com) are another group that sets Scripture to music that won't drive you crazy ;)
    Thanks for sharing about Rob Biagi. I've never heard of him. Will definitely check out his music!

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  10. Over from Casey's blog, and I'm a lover of music too. It's such a great part of life. One of my fav. scriptures from our church is "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." Sometimes certain songs or hymns feel like a prayer to God, lifting us higher and make us better. I love your insight on teaching our children through good music too...I agree with you. Loved the post!

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  11. This CD sounds amazing! Thanks for the chance to win. :)
    - April W

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  12. I have never heard of Rob before... I'm going to have to check him out.

    I love song... I love singing.

    We were singing Worthy by Matt Redman this morning. :)

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  13. I haven't heard of him but would love to hear his music! =)

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  14. i grew up on steve green (anyone else!?!) but lately i love audrey assad's music. also lindsey mccaul just released a new album :)

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  15. We are big Rob B fans around here! Kids praise music is the best... especially coming from your own kids' sweet lips!

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  16. I would love to win. :) my favorite music to play for Krew is the music I grew up with - Psalty the singing songbook. Ever heard of him? I still love singing along.

    And btw I love music far more than words. So this post really resonates with me. :)

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  17. Thanks for the inspiration, Les! I just recently started playing my Hillsong station on Pandora and am finally playing Christian music at home, which is so great for me when I'm burnt on the kids, and hopefully creating a peaceful environment for them when they're going nuts. I'll definitely check out Rob!

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  18. going to have to check him out!! we love music around here :)

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  19. this is lovely, friend. can't wait to check him out!
    LOVE hearing new stuff, thanks! xo
    we love (old) Judy Rogers music. "teach me while my heart is tender" and "why can't i see god" and all the others. excellent.

    loveya xo

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