Showing posts with label Recommendations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recommendations. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Music Recommendations | Kate Podjan

At the Podjan house, we are pretty much constantly playing music nonstop throughout the day.  In fact,  we start every school day (I homeschool the kids) with a worship song that the kids choose (some of their favorites: Jesus Culture's versions of "Rain Down" and "Dance"; and Will Reagan & United Pursuit's "Set a Fire", "Climb", "Yeshua" and "We Have Come/Bless the Lord").

Most mornings I wake up with a song in my spirit, so that's what I start the day listening to.  Today that song was "Draw Near" by Bethel Live.  And, of course, listening to that one song was not enough!  This album, like many that come out of the Bethel Redding/Jesus Culture juggernaut, has really grown on me over the past few months.  I find that a lot of these albums don't really grab me on the first listen, but by the second or third time through I am hooked.  These songs stay with me, and my heart resonates with their message.

So, on that note, here are the 3 latest albums that we've been playing on heavy rotation, both in the house and in the car.  All 3 took a little while to warm up to...but now I don't think they'll ever be retired from our playlists!

The first is Bethel Live's The Loft Sessions (released in January 2012).  Featuring worship leaders Brian & Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, Steffany Frizzell, Hunter Thompson & Matt Stinton, this album is an acoustic set of songs, some familiar, some new.  I love the rootsy feel of many of the songs on this album.  Favorite songs (as of right now...this list changes constantly):  "You Know Me," "Fall Afresh" and "Draw Near."  
If you're looking for a GREAT album to just marinate in the Presence of God, check out Will Reagan & United Pursuit's Live at the Banks House (November 2010).  Simple songs and easy-to-learn lyrics give way to swelling music and the intimate feel of being in a small group of worshippers laying it all down before the King.  The album is acoustic, and imperfect, and lovely.  I could listen to this thing for hours.  My heart really sings when I can put this album on, shut my eyes, and just get caught up in His Presence.  Favorite songs:  "We Have Come/Bless the Lord," "Yeshua," "Set a Fire" and "Climb." 
Lastly, you have to listen to Emerging Voices, Jesus Culture's latest release (July 2012).  Jesus Culture uses this album to debut 4 new worship leaders: Derek Johnson, Mary Kat Eherenzeller, Nate Ward & Justin Jarvis.  This album was recorded live in Redding, CA.  Simply put, I love it.  Great lyrics, beautiful instrumentation and songs that stay in my heart long after the iPod has stopped playing are all reasons why I will be listening to this album for a long time to come.  Favorite songs:  all of them.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

May Recommendations | Books, Music, & More


I often find inspiration and value in drawing from resources that are shaping and influencing the pastors at Open Door, and I thought it would be fun to share with everyone what we are reading, listening to, and reflecting on each month. So, here are our recommendations for May:


Julie Arndt

Books:
Living A Life of Fire by Reinhard Bonnke
Victorious Mindsets by Steve Backlund
What On Earth Is Glory by Paul Manwaring

Other books that have been very influential to me:
The Shack by William Paul Young
Face To Face With God by Bill Johnson

Music:
White Flag by Passion
Where I Find You by Kari Jobe
Furious by Jeremy Riddle
Here On Earth by Bryan & Katie Torwalt


Dennis Chaput

Book:
Money and the Prosperous Soul by Stephen K. De Silva (Chief Financial Officer at Bethel Church in Redding). Picture this: Dave Ramsey meets Bethel Church! It is a great combination (in fact Ramsey wrote an endorsement for the book.) He combines Biblical teaching, practical advice and personal experience to make this a very good read. One quote sticks out: "We were not designed for survival. We were designed for Him. When we have Him, we have everything."


Jillian Melnick

Books:
Spirit Wars by Kris Vallotton

I love this little book: 


Kate Podjan 

Books: 
Culture of Honor by Danny Silk 
Less Clutter, Less Noise by Kem Meyer 

Music: 
Here on Earth by Bryan & Katie Torwalt 
Awakening: Live from Chicago by Jesus Culture 
Jacaranda by Josh Garrels
The Builder & The Architect by Sandra McCracken

Websites/Blogs:


Matt Podjan 

Book: Mystical Union by John Crowder
Music: As The World Bleeds by Theocracy
Podcasts: The Happy Gospel/Benjamin Dunn, iBethel, Deliverance Bible Church (DBC)