by Angele Tanyeri
The Collyde Summit is a gathering of passionate believers in the NY, NJ, and PA area, who love Jesus and are convicted to become world changers. Collyde turned out to be a life-changing experience for me! To gather and worship in this way was profound. It also gave me a chance to ‘collide’ with individuals I may not have had an opportunity to meet otherwise.
by Elise Daly Parker
So for pretty much the 30+ years my beloved and I have been married, we have been “working” on our finances. Initially, it was just a matter of trying to be responsible with our money and not get in over our heads with debt. Truth be told, our success was short term. Some of this was circumstantial – unanticipated life and salary changes threw us for a loop. But, really? We overspent.
by Kathleen Whittam
There is a nickname for people who only go to church on Christmas and Easter--a ChrEaster. My mom has long been a fan of the Christmas cactus, a plant that, oddly enough, blooms around Christmas as well as Easter. I started calling them a ChrEaster Cactus.
By Beth Stiff
I wanted to start from the beginning...
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.~ Genesis 1:1-2
My focal point was going to be on the three words God says over and over again in the first chapter of Genesis: “…it is good."
He looked at all He created and said it was good. ~ Genesis 1:31
Starting from the beginning sounded like a good plan because I’m currently reading from the Book of Genesis and those three words jumped off the pages as I read. If we believe everything He said as truth, and he says those three words several times, I’m thinking those words are rather important. [Continue Reading...]
by Elise Daly Parker
Even if you don’t go for a big New Year’s Eve celebration, the New Year can mark a fresh start, a new beginning, a shift in focus. It’s a good time to take a look back at the past, and consider a vision for the year ahead.
Many people choose a New Year’s resolution or two… [Continue Reading...]
By Jennifer from Swing Whistle Zing
We started out with the best of intentions, but as the clock ticked by and the minutes passed, frustration began to rear its ugly head. My arms began to ache from being extended indefinitely while my husband ran into a roadblock of sorts trying to get the final pieces to lock into place. We both gritted our teeth and pushed on.
by Denise Trio
When people ask me about my heritage, I proudly proclaim, "I'm Italian." I've got an Italian grandmother whose meatballs would put an Iron Chef to shame. My family is big and loud. We are proud to be Italian. I'm also part Irish. After listening to Rend Collective, a folk-worship band from Ireland, I quickly identified more with my part-Irish roots. [Continue Reading...]
by Denise Trio
The David Crowder Band began in the 1996. The band’s raw creativity and talent revolutionized the Christian music industry. However, in 2011, the band announced they would end their 16-year streak of funky, original, and powerful worship music. Fans of the legendary band will be thrilled to know that Crowder is back on the scene with a new album.
In his first solo album, Crowder continues to deliver what his fans have come to know and love about him. Neon Steeple was released on May 27, 2014, by both Sparrow Records and sixstepsrecords. [Continue Reading...]
by Denise Trio
The newest Passion album was recorded live in January at the 2014 Passion Conference in Atlanta and Houston. It is full of the much-anticipated worship songs that listeners have come to expect from the yearly conference that gathers 18-25 year olds and their leaders together. This deluxe edition includes a DVD with song videos and a sermon from Louie Giglio, who founded the Passion Conferences in 2000. [Continue Reading...]
by Denise Trio
This isn’t your mom’s worship music. But I bet she’d like it!
We Are Young & Free is the debut album of the next big thing out of Hillsong Australia. The new band, called Young & Free, recorded this album live in April 2013. Just a few short months later, when it was released, it took the worship industry by storm with it’s electro-pop worship songs. [Continue Reading...]
by Denise Trio
The music of City Harbor delivers exactly what a world searching for consolation needs--comforting words to listeners everywhere. Circles of Faith was thrilled to preview the duo’s debut album, which releases on February 4.
We couldn’t be more excited about this fresh, new music. [Continue Reading...]
By Jennifer from Swing Whistle Zing
The first time I meet someone and tell them that I write about kids’ music, I often get the same questions:
How did you get into kids’ music? Are you a musician? What do you recommend?
The answers are actually pretty simple: I’m a passionate mom (who prefers that more noise come from happily singing kids than the TV). No, I’m not a musician (see answer A). Well it depends; what are you looking for? [Continue Reading…]
By Denise Trio
For overplayed Christmas music that would make even the jolliest listeners into Scroogy humbugs. So today, I will present a roundup of five great Christmas albums. These records are from a variety of artists, filled with their unique renditions of familiar Christmas songs that are also blended with original songs that stay true to the artists’ individual styles. [Continue Reading...]
by Kimberly Amici
On Oct. 29 multi-platinum Christian artist Chris Tomlin released his first live DVD project. The two-disc Burning Lights Deluxe Tour Edition, includes a previously released studio album plus a DVD of his show performed at the famed Red Rocks, the open-air amphitheater, just 10 miles west of Denver, Colorado .
We have teamed up with Capitol Christian Music Group to give away three copies of Burning Lights: Deluxe Edition CD/DVD. [Continue Reading...]
by Denise Trio
Mandisa, who was nominated twice for a Grammy and competed on American Idol’s fifth season, delivers her fourth studio album entitled Overcomer.
It is appropriately named not only because Mandisa did not win American Idol, but also because she has overcome harsh feedback and negativity with her positive and empowering albums. On this album, her songs, saturated with biblical truth and God’s promises, boast synthy, pop, and dance-infused beats and instrumentation that support memorable and singable melodies. Vocally, she is impressive and inspiring, with her gospel roots evident. [Continue Reading...]
Worshipping with Phil Wickham was a highlight of the 2013 Collyde Summit we attended and told you about in June.
On Friday night, after a day full of awesome keynotes, labs, and workshops, we knew the worship concert with Phil Wickham was still ahead. However, both Kimberly and I had agreed earlier we would probably head out before it started. In the end,we decided, why not stay? We were both glad we did. Worship is good for the soul! [Continue Reading...]
The Shanes have done it again.
Shane Barnard and Shane Everett have become famous for their acoustic-rock based songs, featuring killer harmonies. They released their eighth full-length record, Bring Your Nothing, on May 14 of this year. It was uniquely written, born out of the songwriting classes that they teach at Oaks School of Leadership in Red Oak, TX. Each week, Barnard challenged his students to write a song based on the weekly Bible-based topic. He joined them in their songwriting challenge… the result, Bring Your Nothing. [Continue Reading...]
What’s on Your iPod?
I love to listen to music as I exercise. In fact, if I am not taking a class or running with a friend, I need my music. My iPod with my workout playlist is just as essential as my sneaks and sports bra.
I have a standard list of songs that keep me moving, but I always keep my eye open for new music.
The Great Awakening played through my car speakers on a rainy Monday morning driving to work. Then again, it continued serenading me on an average Wednesday evening on the way to church. Additionally, it welcomed the start of the weekend one warm Friday afternoon.
There are few albums that I can listen to at any time of the day and in any mood. The Great Awakening from Leeland is one such album. [Continue Reading...]
Zion is here.
Before you crack open your Bible and search fervently for the meaning of “Zion,” let me clarify. Hillsong UNITED has released their newest album, Zion.
Hillsong is a mega church based out of Sydney, Australia, with campuses around the globe, including London and New York City; UNITED is the worship band birthed from Hillsong’s youth ministry in the ‘90s. Now, they tour globally, leading worship with their original songs that are relevant to churches and Christians around the world. [Continue Reading...]
All Sons & Daughters, Season One
I sat and listened one morning to sweet melodies and heartfelt prayers sung by two voices in beautiful harmony as I spent my quiet time with the Lord.
The voices belonged to David Leonard and Leslie Jordan of All Sons & Daughters. This duo, based out of Franklin, Tennessee, began writing and leading worship songs at their home church, Journey, in 2010. They signed with Integrity Music, a worship label, later that same year.
The music of All Sons & Daughters, categorized as indie worship, was birthed out of the heartbeat and environment of their home church, as they added words and melodies to the cries, prayers, and praise of their community. Their songs have also become relevant to congregations outside of their Nashville suburb.
It feels natural to sing along with All Sons & Daughters in moments of deep sorrow yet can be pleasantly enjoyed while going about the mundane activities of life.
Their songs comprise the perfect soundtrack for this journey called “life.”
Leonard and Jordan’s voices blend beautifully with accompaniment by gentle piano, simple guitar, melodic strings, and easy rhythms. Some of their songs, such as All the Poor and Powerless, Brokenness Aside, and Reason to Sing, are honest confessions of doubt and brokenness, but also serve as a reminder of God’s promises of restoration, healing, and faithfulness. Other songs, like Let It Shine, I Am Set Free, and All Praise to You, are proclamations of freedom found in Christ and a rally cry to worship Him. Alive and Oh Our Lord are the most upbeat songs on the record and joyfully exclaim the life we have in our Lord.
All Sons & Daughters offer their music freely as part of their mission.
In an age where piracy is rampant and artists hold tightly to their creation, All Sons & Daughters acknowledges that their purpose is not merely fame and fortune, but to chronicle the journey that we are on as sons and daughters of the Most High God. This is evident, not only because of soulful words that they have set to music, but also because they make these lyrics and chord charts available on their website for worship leaders and musicians to use freely.
All Sons & Daughters has also released four EPs, or mini albums: Brokenness Aside EP No. 1 , Prone To Wander: A Collection of Hymns EP, Reason To Sing and their latest, The Longing, released on September 25, 2012.
To find out more about All Sons & Daughters visit their website.
A native of New Jersey, Denise Trio is a full-time worship leader, mentor, designer, and blogger based out of Fort Lauderdale, FL. She wants to use her voice to inspire others to seek healing and pursue restoration of broken relationships. Follow on her blog Blond Moment of the Day or on Twitter.
We all have a story to tell! Personal Connection is just one of the ways we share stories here at Circles of Faith. Ordinary women are doing extraordinary things for God. We hope Jena’s story encourages and inspires others to take that next step to what God is calling them to do.
Worship Leader, Singer/Songwriter, and Pioneer of the Worship Soul genre
Tell us your FAITH story.
I grew up in a Christian home, in my father’s storefront Pentecostal church. Ever since I can remember, God was drawing me closer to Him through songwriting. As early as age seven, I began to develop a relationship with Christ although I didn’t know it at the time. I loved being close to God, talking with Him, journaling my thoughts and, of course, singing to Him.
It was my father who shaped my faith. His teaching of giving God your best will always be with me. Though he is still alive, this is part of my inheritance—his legacy to me. Dad was very “big” on knowing the Word. He would instruct me to read Bible stories each day after school and then share with him what I learned. I hope to instill that same fervor for God in my children.
I went through a phase, like many children raised in Christian homes, when I lost my faith. During college, I was so far away from God and wasn’t sure how to get back to Him. After graduation, I moved to New Jersey from Wisconsin and stumbled upon the church I now attend. It was my experience there that led me back to God and a process of healing and discovery began that is ongoing today.
Faith has played a major role in the decisions I make in life. It was only through faith and God's leading that, after ten years as a high school history teacher, I was able to take a step and leave teaching to stay at home with my newborn daughter. It was that step that opened the door to God's purpose for my life.
What does LIFE look like for you?
My family encompasses so much of who I am. My husband Ron and I are just two people on the love roller coaster! Our two daughters Olivia and Nia energize our lives. Ron’s and my relationship is shaped by our love for God and worship, our passion for fitness, and love of laughter. Laughter has helped us to remain sane even when times are tough. We love sharing a big bowl of popcorn and watching a funny movie. As simple as it may seem, sharing humor with someone means a lot.
An important part of our relationship is learning to balance parenting in the 21st century! Ron is an excellent caregiver to our girls—his love is huge for them and he almost never seems stressed by them. His supportive and caring personality really helps to keep me balanced. We are working as a team more than ever. Nearly seven years into our marriage, we have truly begun to build a rhythm for our lives.
While I am not doing any one thing full time, I am doing a mixture of things that are fulfilling to me. The purposeful choices I've made make it possible to focus on my desire to create and minister in song as a volunteer worship leader in my church. I’ve also been able to pursue my passion for fitness. I currently teach classes, and do personal training at my gym, while working towards my personal training certification. In addition, I work part-time at Lululemon, a yoga store and athletic clothing retailer.
How does community inspire your life?
My church family is a big part of fostering my faith. There are people in my life who have mentored me…especially women in our church. They have really helped me to come into my own. They have helped me grow tremendously as a mom, a women in ministry, a wife, and as a person. There women have taken time to pour into me and help me to see myself clearly, always pointing me toward God. I am so grateful for their influence in my life. I hope to be a mentor to young women some day too and make the same investment others have made in me.
Community boils down to investing in people and allowing people to invest in you. Small groups play a big role in our life. One of the things my husband and I love to do is host LIFE group (small group) in our home. Our group is diverse, fun, and we truly feel valued by them.
God has also blessed me with a core group of friends and I am energized when we laugh together—again, laughter is key to me!
The friends I’ve made at church, work, and the gym are all amazing women! I love to get people together and help facilitate relationships by having little gatherings. Not only do I get to connect with my friends, but they can connect to each other too.
Lululemon is not just a place I work, it has become a community of sorts for me as well. I love being a part of what they are doing. Their focus includes investing in the development of their employees not just in the area of fitness but personal purpose development through goal coaching sessions and vision casting. Lululemon has allowed me to utilize my skill of connecting to other women, having real conversations about fitness, life, and purpose. I am able to motivate people to do the things that they love.
Where and how does the above all come together for you?
Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to inspire others through music. I am blessed to have that dream come true by creating authentic worship music for others to connect with God and be inspired to live out their lives purposefully.
I am in the process of finishing my recording for congregational worship. I can’t wait to see how God uses these songs to help people connect with Him. My hope is that these songs will be used in the lives of congregations across the nation!
In 2009, after I had my first child, I decided to start recording some of the music I was creating. It was this process that began leading me to my true call. Right before a recording session for my album entitled Where I Belong, I was talking with a friend from church. I shared with her the things that were in my heart--a desire to connect others to God through worship in a fresh way. It was then that the song Discovery: Show Me the Way was birthed and my path became clearer.
Since then, I have written two songs, in particular, that I believe will really move people into the presence of God. I am producing them as an independent artist, meaning that I am not signed to any label. My hope is that these songs, especially Have Mercy and Lord You Are, will touch many. My desire is to break past racial, cultural, and denominational barriers through my music. My prayer is that my music speaks to people from all backgrounds!
I hope God will continue to use me in worship and worship ministry development—praying that I can know his heart for me in each season of life.
Jena recently teamed up with Kickstarter to successfully fund her dream to record the two songs she has written, Have Mercy and Lord You Are. Here is the video of her sharing with others her passion for what she is doing.
Let us know what your favorite worship song is in the comments HERE and be entered to win a MP3 download of Jena's song Discovery.
You can follow Jena on Twitter at @jenaworshipsoul
by Kimberly Amici
Nothing helps us savor the Christmas season like the sounds of holiday cheer coming from the speakers in our home or car. You would be hard pressed to find us listening to anything else during the month of December. We have a diverse musical library that we try to add to every year.
by Elise Daly Parker
We are a family steeped in tradition who loves Christmas, with all its trappings and trimmings. So what better way to kick off all the merriment than with the beautiful, sometimes corny, but wonder-filled sounds of the season. We have one solid rule: No Christmas songs fill our home until after Thanksgiving Day
