A songwriting single Mom in the process of reinvention while working full time.
All rights withheld on original material, lyrics, and songs, under Rhythm Ray Inc. copyright. But please feel free to share.
Live, Give, Love, Laugh and Learn,
-shawna ray
It saddens me to hear stories of individuals who maybe unknowingly hurt or judge others they do not know or understand, while quoting Bible scriptures in the name of Jesus. These things are usually taken out of context on all sides to create hype or make someone feel right. It is because of this history that many individuals avoid the church and might not ever know what it feels like to receive unconditional love in the true Spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. I am sorry. Forgive those who know not what they do. Forgive me when I fail to understand. Forgive me when I mess up and lack patience and kindness. We all fall short sometimes.
Christmas card that my daughter
Kaiya made a few years ago
I hope you know that you are loved, as you are, wherever you are in your personal journey. In this love, I hope you will enjoy giving and receiving this holiday season. In this light, I want to share a song that came through me in December, 2011. This reflects my personal journey and faith walk, so I am thankful that I can share freely. Know that I embrace all people and get that we might have different beliefs and experiences. However you connect, I wish you love, joy and peace all year. I love you!
Live, Give, Love, Laugh and Learn,
Shawna
Remember Me
- by Shawna Ray 2011
In the busyness of shopping malls
In the stress that comes with making meals
In this season that is filled with frills
A baby cries off in the distance
Remember me
Pure love and peace
Remember me
Your joy complete
My gift is free for eternity
Remember me
If acquiring things takes priority
Then the meaning here is unredeemed
There are people who are truly in need
Find your balance; give and receive
Remember me
Pure love and peace
Remember me
Your joy complete
My gift is free for eternity
Remember me
Remember December
Hold the baby near
Remember December
Look for light all year
Remember December
Slow it down to hear
The stillness of Spirit Calling you near
Remember me
Pure love and peace
Remember me
Your joy complete
My gift is free for eternity
Remember me
Remember me
I posted these songs lyrics last year around Thanksgiving and want to share this again today with a reminder to spend more time with and less money on those we love this holiday season.
A friend from college texted today to say that she was mailing me some gifts. She lives twenty minutes away from me and we have not seen each other in a while. In fact, we really need to talk through a misunderstanding. It made me laugh that she would buy me things, but not actually make time to talk to me. I don't have a lot of money and don't want to feel guilty for not buying her anything. I described this as "surburbia syndrome" and that pissed her off even more. We live such different lives and maybe it is time to let this friendship go. I just see things differently and am not so good at faking it. I want to see my friends face to face and if someone is in need, I want to give them a hug and let them know that I love them.
Some people seem to hide so well behind their texts, emails and "things" that keep a safe distance. They want to feel better about themselves by keeping up with token gifts and cards. This keeps the card and gift manufacturers in business, but it honestly does very little to truly build and strengthen relationships in my opinion. I guess we all have different love languages. Quality time is what means the most to me. And I am just tired of faking it when I hear things that have been said behind my back. Don't send me a card or gift and think that we are friends. If that makes me the odd one out, then so be it. I want to know who my true friends are and invest my time and energy with them.
Life is short. Be present and make time for moments and memories in the now with those you truly love and respect this holiday season.
A student
and teacher favorite, Take a Trip to DIVERSE CITY welcomes you to a free state of heart and mind;
open to new and different people, places, and experiences. This rhyming picture
book encourages children of all ages to accept and celebrate one another while
welcoming cultural diversity. There is a message about Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr.’s dream, discussion questions, and a letter to young authors in the back. A
portion of the proceeds goes to support unity initiatives.
This special B5 edition
includes a CD with national music group B5 (kids might know their song “Get
Your Head in the Game” from High School Musical) narrating the book and Shawna
Ray singing the book in song form with added B5 chorus.
Inspired
by a true story, this educational children’s book begins as some of the kids on
the playground in Same City will not let Jacob play because his skin color is
different than theirs. Zachary stands with his friend and invites the kids on
an imaginary trip to explore DiverseCity. They enjoy a
variety of savory meals at Spice of Life Cafe, and share in different ways of
creating with an array of colors and textures at the Art Spot.They hear different styles and moods of music
in the streets and talk about the importance of each individual. When the kids
return from their change in perspective, things are much more colorful and the
children are free to appreciate their differences and enjoy playing together.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shawna
Ray is also a singer, songwriter, and mother of two students. She shares
her passion for unity and talks to kids and young adults about diversity and
resolving conflict in relationships with a full assembly presentation. Shawna
tells the true story about her son Zachary and his friend Jacob who inspired
her first book, encouraging young authors to follow through with their ideas.
Shawna has a degree in Public Relations from OtterbeinCollege and has previously worked in Outreach and Engagement at The Ohio State University and as an event coordinator and disability/diversity awareness trainer and program coordinator with
Goodwill Columbus and United Way
of Central Ohio. Shawna currently lives in Columbus, Ohio.
ABOUT B5:AtlantaGeorgia is home to the 5 dynamic brothers known as B5 (Dustin,
Kelly, Patrick, Carnell and Bryan)! You've seen them on Disney, Nickelodeon,
MTV and BET; heard them on High School Musical, Hanna Montana and Disney!
Growing up multi-racial, (black and white mix), the brothers have lived
diversity! 'This is why we felt so passionate about participating with this
project, because it all starts with kids!' states Bryan. 'Success, knowledge and love have no
color! It's the way you think that makes the difference,' says Patrick. 'DiverseCity is 100% B5 Approved!
It lets kids know that we are all beautiful in our own way!'
Book Content:
Take
a Trip to Diverse City
Ó COPYRIGHT1/1/05 Shawna Ray
A Children’s
book
Dedicated to
Zachary & Jacob: May you always appreciate your differences and treasure
your friendship.
‘Twas a gray kind of day outside in Same City.
The school bell rang; recess was beginning.
Jacob and Zac tried to join the ballgame.
But some kids told Jacob that he couldn’t play.
For his skin was “brown” and theirs was “white,”
Zac stood by his friend knowing that was not right.
“Why?” he thought, “should it matter at all?”
Each child in the class had a difference he saw.
“They’re trippin!” said Jacob, and Zachary agreed.
“A trip – hey, let’s all go to DiverseCity!”
Some kids were afraid and chose not to go,
But adventure is fun and soon many followed
“Good food,” Zac said, “is the first thing we need.
Let’s walk down the street and get something to eat.”
At Same Café, the food can be dull
By adding some spice it becomes flavorful.
Let’s dine a place with savory meals.
We’ll enjoy all the various blends and appeals.
The aroma is sweet and the menu delights.
Everyone can find something they like.
Embrace all the tastes and the sounds and the smells.
New friends are welcome to dine and to tell
Stories and memories of journeys they’ve shared.
The table is open; acceptance is there.
Next stop is the art shop; the colors are vast.
You can paint every shade, be creative and laugh.
Mold the soft clay into balls and cool shapes.
Make a cup, a bowl or a tall flower vase.
We all have ideas that are new and exciting.
Let’s color together or sit alone writing.
Think of a story, imagine the scene.
It’s great to create when the mind is so free.
“Who wants to move on?” Zac said to his friends.
I hear a cool sound that is drawing us in
To the streets where live music is filling the air;
A bouncy drum beat and loud trumpets do blare.
A band plays aloud; music lifts like the moon.
Each different sound is forming a tune.
It then turns so gently as the melodies change
To a ballad sung sweetly, like soft falling rain.
“Each one is so wonderful, don’t you agree?”
Zac talked as he walked down Diverse City streets.
There are people at work, each with skills of their own
By joining together we get much more done.
“If all were the same, we’d be missing all this.
We need everyone to share their unique gift.
We learn from each other and life can be found
In all styles and flavors, new sights and new sounds.”
As they returned to the classroom later that day
The kids were different and everyone played.
There’s so much more fun in a place filled with color,
Where all are free to enjoy one another.
THE END, or maybe just the beginning of many more
adventures…
Perception is blinding, it's based on the past Resistance is fighting, the present in shift We are... Finding commonality in humanity and every living thing There's meaning and opportunity to open and up and see with new understanding Expanding, creating, we're serving the whole Still working and playing in a changing world We are... Finding commonality in humanity
"Forget about the days when it's been cloudy, but don't forget your hours in the SUN...
Forget about the times you've been defeated, but don't forget the VICTORIES you've won...
Forget about mistakes that you can't change now, but don't forget the lessons that you've LEARNED...
Forget about misfortunes you've encountered, but don't forget the times your luck has TURNED...
Forget about the days when you've been lonely, but don't forget the friendly SMILES you've seen...
Forget about the plans that didn't seem to work out right, but don't forget to always have a DREAM."
-Amanda Bradley
I'm staying at my Mom's house, where this artwork and poem by Amanda Bradley hangs as an optimist reminder in the guest bedroom. I love her use of the...A symbol of the neverending process of growth and discovery in achieving our goals and dreams, while living each day with hope.
Lately I have been struggling with the weight of frustration and wondering if I will ever fully achieve my dreams. I think sometimes we set these lofty goals and dreams in motion and then we're surprised and challenged by the shift and the shish that comes out. Or maybe this is just me? See how I tend to want to bring everyone into this with me in we? But I do think this part is true for everyone...Each experience and lesson received is a step toward where we need to be. It's all part of the process.
Looking back while organizing my office this week, I think I have made it much harder and longer by constantly stepping down. I have backed off when encountering resistance and dissapointment. I would retreat to my comfort zone and wallow in my pitty party. I have wasted so much energy telling friends all about who did me wrong or what I am going through, so I could feel affirmed in my position as a victim. At this point I think my friends and family are sick of hearing about it. I too am sick and tired of being sick and wounded, waving the "woa is me I'm a single mother" banner.
But the lesson and achievement comes through the process...Not what happens to you, but how you choose to handle it! The key is to remember the moments of sunshine, victories and that which you have accomplished, lessons learned and smiles you have seen and shared along the way.
It's all good. Keep moving forward, living the dream...
Neck is inviting
Input the jack please
Bridge keeps it guarded
Vibrating whammy
Inlay surrounding
Music is the movement of soul ...
I'm talkin' guitar 'Cuz you get me like that Bend into my heart Moving down my frets You know who you are The head is at high pitch So factor in firmness Just talkin' guitar
Fingers are walking
Pick up the action
Chords are singing
Making sweet lovin
Smack it down, groov'n
Tear it up shredding
Music is the rock and the roll ...
I'm talkin' guitar
'Cuz you get me like that
Bend into my heart
Moving down my frets
You know who you are
The head is at high pitch
So factor in firmness
Just talkin' guitar
I wanna hear that.....(bluesy guitar solo)
Well if you want to bend it skinny there's electric
Peddle to distort pitch, rock it then you drop it
And if you want to feell it, strum it on acoustic
Hear it in the lyric anytime you choose it
Music with a full body tone
Unplugged sing a la la la la la la la looooooooong
Come on and sing a la la la la la la la looooong...
"If you weren't so afraid of letting go
You wouldn't feel so free when you do it"
If you didn't hold capacity to love
Your heart would not feel full when you've filled it
But the rush falls down
And the in love fades
When you're on the ground
With the time it takes
To stoke the flame
And jump again
A fellow friend
Knows how and when
To keep love alive
Alive
Keep love alive
And love again
So the trick is knowing who you really are
To find the one that fits- you will know it
Some people tend to only love the chase
The fragile soul will break if you throw it
Then the trust falls down
And the guard is placed
To keep others out
While inside you crave
To stoke the flame
And jump again
A fellow friend
Knows how and when
To keep love alive
Alive
Keep love alive
And love again
Letting go of the heavy
That you carry from before
You will love when you're ready
Are you ready to give more?
Stoke the flame
And jump again
A fellow friend
Knows how and when
To keep love alive
Alive
Keep love alive
The ever never end
-by shawna ray, today, 8/19/13
Quote in the first line shared by Paul, TheRipplesproject.org
Source unknown, originally shared by Nikki, Oxford, UK
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
I keep waiting for you to make a move
You keep waiting for me to change my tune
All this time on my own I'm still not grown
Colors fade into grey, wrapped in blankets at home
Wires crossed and moments missed
Weigh the cost, craving your kiss
Hear your voice inside my head
Wish I could see you again
You are still the one who can make me sing
When you strum it's sparking my chemistry
From afar I've learned how to get away
Now I think its time for me to rearrange
Wires crossed and moments missed
Weigh the cost, craving your kiss
Hear your voice inside my head
Wish I could see you again
Wish I could be with you again
Am I crazy? Have we ever been?
I keep sensing lives that I missed
You keep right on, drawing me in
Again and again and again and again
Wires crossed and moments missed
Weigh the cost, craving your kiss
Hear your voice inside my head
Wish I could see you again
I wrote this song years ago but found myself on the crazy train again this week. Added that last part. Passive aggressive is also a means of control. Stop the cycle! Find the meaning. Learn the lesson. Keep moving forward...
Live, give, love, laugh and learn,
Shawna
TWISTED
By shawna ray
What is it with you people who abuse?
What is it with me wanting to believe?
That I can change your brain
Mistaking love for need
Think I can be your saint
Without enabling
This twisted reality
Caught up in crazy
Twisted reality
You pull the rug from underneath
And it gets twisted
Twisted, twisted
What's up with this game?
Hiding from bully
What's up with the way
You try to control me?
Why does it have to be
All your way or nothing?
Why do I try to please?
Loosing and falling prey
It's twisted reality
Caught up in crazy
Twisted reality
You pull the rug from underneath
And it gets twisted
Twisted, twisted
What is twisted cannot be straightened
What is lacking cannot be counted
I've been riding the crazy train
And I am finally getting off..
It's twisted reality
Caught up in crazy
Twisted reality
You pull the rug from underneath
And it gets twisted
Twisted, twisted
Time will need taken for healing
Careful I don't do the same thing
To one who is weaker than me
No more cycling on the crazy train
It'd twisted!
(Ecc 1:15)
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From the former to the future
Changing tide is washing up
From the inner to the outer
Purify what was corrupt
From the core into the center
Luring tempting is a lust
From deliverance to disaster
Torrent winds whip up the dust
Sweet surrender in the Spirit
That is kissed upon love's lips
Soft but loud so all can hear it
Calling purpose to exist
Warding off the shameful arrows
Not to fear the bully's fist
With an eye upon the sparrow
Word fulfilling promises
Age of time is now upon us
Echoing the grave's release
We must lift and sound the trumpets
Welcoming and offering
One to stay and walk among us
Joyful celebration feast
In the present, full awareness
Former battle, future peace
---
#former to future, #shawna ray, #battle, #future, #peace, #trumpets, #purpose
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An #ally song for my friends
By Shawna Ray
(Music to come starts out like a ballerina music box)
If you took the time to see
Behind the mask, a weight is carried
Years of haunting, hiding pain
While so afraid to break the tape
That plays inside a mind all day
Speaking lies while saving face
To fit inside the box, ashamed
Longing for love and belonging
Swirling twirling phase
Dizzy from the masquerade
This is a new day
Renovate the closet space
I am coming out to play myself for a change
You will see my face at the masquerade
Please don't take God's love away
I can feel it differently
All are made to be unique
Tried to pray the gay away
The voice of hope speaks quietly
Open arms, The Father is running
Welcoming so Heavenly
Saying, "Let us celebrate"
Swirling twirling phase
Dizzy from the masquerade
This is a new day
Renovate the closet space
I am coming out to play myself for a change
You will see my face at the masquerade
Love, love, love, love
Hold it sacred
Pure love, love, love
Worth the wait it's
Love, love, love, love
So many ways to
Love, love, love, love, love
I am an ally
This is what my friends say,
"I did not chose this!
It was chosen for me..."
Welcome a new day
Renovate the closet space
I am coming out to play myself for a change
You will see my face at the masquerade
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I feel like posting these song lyrics to all the Dads who are MIA on Father's Day..
Don't Be a Dead Beat!
Always talkin 'bout the big deal
Grandiosity to growns
For yourself showing you don't care
Till you want to feel like home
No reply on the other end of the phone
Don’t be a dead beat
Your word is incomplete
You had everything
And you gave it away
Don’t need a dead beat
This ship has finally sailed
I try not to be angry but I've got to ask...
Is that really who you wanna be?
Just a dead beat?
Don't be a dead beat dad!
Tell me how's that working for you?
Boy you really show your ah...
Hiding underneath the table
All you'll ever get is scraps
No return never paying back tax
Don't be a dead beat!
Will you ever complete?
You start so many things
Keep running away
Don't need a dead beat
This ship has finally sailed
I try not to be angry but I've got to ask... Is that really who you wanna be?
Just a dead beat? Don't be a dead beat dad!
Actions speak..Checks in the mail?
Always blaming someone else
Missing disappointing them
Trading love you’ve lost yourself
You choose that dead beat
Your word is incomplete
You had everything
Why'd you give it away?
Don't need a dead beat!
This ship has finally sailed
I try not to be angry but I've got to ask...
Is that really who you wanna be?
Is that really who you wanna be? Man up man Step up and be a good Dad
Jump'n in puddles, lett'n it splatter
Haters will hate but it don't matter
Bubbling up I'm saved by laughter
Coming in from the rain
Contrasting the dramedy
Love lights up the sky
Finding rainbows from rain
Rainbows from rain
Happily after dreaming of better
Sing'n along dog days are over
Keep'n it mov'n, pushing the chatter
Out of my brain
Contrasting the dramedy
Love lights up the sky
Finding rainbows from rain
Rainbows from rain
Holding my own pot of gold
Giving to lighten the load
Playing to level the field
Sharing the stories that beg to be told
Contrasting the dramedy
Love lights up the sky
Finding rainbows from rain
Rainbows from rain
Forecasting bright futures ahead
Finding rainbows from rain
Forecasting bright futures ahead
Finding rainbows from rain
Jump'n in puddles lett'n it splatter
Haters will hate but it don't matter
--
Inspired by Tyler Perry's Interview with Oprah on OWN and my Dad, who taught me to keep looking for the rainbows through every storm in life
By Shawna Ray, today 5/27/13
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
I found these creeds on my cousin's mirror this morning. Even if you are not a parent, we are all mentors in one way or another and this can also help to understand our own childhood, heal from any past wounds and make choices regarding how we want to live moving forward. Some of us are single parents because we did not want our children to live with hostility. I believe that as we learn from the past and keep moving forward, with healthy boundaries, blessings will come. Even when it doesn't always pay well in this lifetime or follow systematic religious rules taken out of context, I believe that God's love, happiness and true riches are realized when we choose to find the good in all people and all things...
THE OPTIMIST CREED:
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet To make all your friends feel that there is something in them To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
PARENTS CREED: If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to disconnect. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.
Live, Give, Love, Laugh, Learn,
Shawna Ray, today 5/19/13
#optimism, #parenting, #praise, #shawna ray, #open, #love
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So I had another BIRTHDAY on April 30th. My Mom planned a dinner party with some of my lifelong friends and surprised me by flying my sister Amy in from New York. It was a fun weekend, even though I have been dreading this particular mile marker on the journey that is life. Birthdays are moments in time when I was meant to arrive into this life experience. If I had been
born at any other time, I would be a completely different person. And yet it
seems that looking back, I spent much of my time and energy wishing I looked
like someone else or had a different
life. Why do we do that? Let’s ENJOY this time by accepting who we are, as is, and
be HAPPY on this BIRTHDAY! Of course this makes me think (MMT) and write a SONG about it…
Turning of an age I see the candles on a cake And wonder where am I suppose to be by now?
On a no back track I picture what lies up ahead And make myself get out of the bed to take next steps... Moving into chapter two
On to thirty Forty, fifty Birthdays Celebrate
Life is good
When we're living Presently
OoooOH, presently Friends and family call To wish me well, posts on the wall Bring out a smile, inside I still feel like a child Do I blow a wish? Or is it more about the breath? That I take in to capture moments of alive
Moving into Chapter two
On to thirty Forty, fifty Birthdays Celebrate
Life is good
When we're living
Presently OoooOH, presently Learning to be healthy is happy
Loving and feeling it all
Now choosing the things I want to receive
Throwing the other trash out Writing a new Chapter two
On to thirty Forty, fifty
Unafraid!
Celebrate
Life is good
Loving and living
Presently
OooooOH, presently -shawna ray, today 4/30/13 #birthday,#presents,#living,#presently, #friends,#family,#20,#30,#40,#50
Note: Read the quotes at the bottom that inspired this song I've been singing in the morning shower to help me through the full time work day in an office. I do hope to record more soon because lyrics are sometimes hard to grasp without hearing them with music. It's coming! I'm just broke and trying to raise two kids as a single Mom. Someday...
Everything
-shawna ray, today 4/25/13
I can feel the stress hormones releasing in my blood
I need to find a way
To let go of weight and peacefully engage
By riding out the raging wave
It's all good
When you're looking for the good
I know that's right
When I'm doing things right
Happiness is not about having everything
It's about doing my best in everything
Loving me may never be that easy
But I will love you well; hope you love me back
Silently I'm drawn and answering the call Of what I love so naturally
Lifting up my voice its time I made a choice
The only one to live my life is free
It's all good
When you're looking for the good
I know that's right
When I'm doing things right
Happiness is not about having everything
It's about doing my best in everything
Loving me may never be that easy
But I will love you well; hope you love me back
Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow
It takes the strength out of today
You can think that nothing in life is a miracle
Or live as there are miracles in everything!
It's all good
When you're looking for the good
I know that's right
When I'm doing things right
Don't shrink, don't settle
Don't fade away
Your light is needed
There are no mistakes
Don't shrink, don't settle
Don't fade away
Your light is needed
There are no mistakes!
-----------
Based on quotes on my fridge and bedroom mirror:
The happiest people don't necessarily have everything; they just make the best of everything!
- Unknown source
I know that's right
When I'm doing things right
(based on quote by Peter Drucker "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.)
"It's all good when you're looking for the good"
(Shawna Ray quote...It use to irritate my former boss when I would say, "Its all good!" He would point out that it's not ALL good. And I would say, "If you're looking for the good, you can find it." He would then make that face and walks away thinking he's right and I'm crazy. Happy to now have a new boss. It's all good.
Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow
It takes the strength out of today
(quote by Corrie ten Boom "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength")
You can think that nothing in life is a miracle
Or live as there are miracles in everything
(Albert Einstein quote-"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle")
Don't shrink Don't settle
Don't fade away
Your light is needed There's no mistakes
("There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you" -Gregg LaVoy, from the book, Callings)
And some fortune cookie quotes:
"The minute that you settle for less than you deserve, you get less than you settled for"
"He who never makes mistakes never did anything that's worthy"
"Make it a great day!"
(I say this to my kids as they get on the bus every morning and we made it into a fridge magnet. After watching the movie, "The Odd Life of Timothy Green" my daughter now jokes with a quote from the movie"That's too much pressure", which makes us laugh.)
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-John 8 Jesus drew a line in the sand and said, "You who are without sin throw the first stone"
-Vs 1
Hands held high so quick to stone you
Those who hate resisting change
Setting up the argument so
Power is a binding chain
Jesus said you are forgiven
Lord of grace you wiped my shame away, away, away away...
-Chorus
You draw the line
Disarming weapons
You draw the line
Where we are safe
You draw the line
To keep us running
This race that we will win to give you praise
-Vs2
All have sinned and have been covered
Hearts of children sanctified
We are cleansed and now empowered
Walk this line and be revived
Jesus said you are forgiven
Lord of grace you wiped my shame away, away, away away...
You draw the line Disarming weapons You draw the line Where we are safe You draw the line To keep us running This race that we will win to give you praise
Jesus..
You see me
Free me
Redefining
Who I am
See me
Free me
Rolling
The stone away again and again and again...
You draw the line Disarming weapons You draw the line Where we are safe You draw the line To keep us running This race that we will win to give you praise
Jesus said you are forgiven
Lord of grace you wiped my shame away!
-through Pastor Matt Rice at Life Church Columbus last night inspiring song by Shawna Ray, today, 4/7/13
#grace,#Jesus,#freedom,#stone,#Behind the Line,#lifechurch,#shawnaray #seeme,#freeme,#running,#empowering
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Sermon notes that turned into a song during the service. I got up and sang this Acappella last night at Life Church, Pastor Matt Rice 3/23/13
Make Your House a Home -inspired during Pastor Matt's mssg 3/23/13
Jesus I want to know you Light my heart on fire Alter every part of my life before
I can feel your revival Fresh wind and revelation I am ready to see you break through the doors
Jesus is coming Will you be open? Will he be welcome To make your house a home? (Sing) Abide in me Lord abide in me Abide in me Lord Make this house your home
Church and body the temple Hear him knocking to enter This is soul renovation from within
Grace is justification Holiness is a cleansing Break the power of past sin -never again
Jesus is with us God I am open Spirit is welcome To make this house a home (Sing) Abide in me Lord abide in me Abide in me Lord Make this house your home Work in me Do your work in me Lord work through me Lord make this house your home Love on me Lord love on me Lord love through me Please make this house your home Abide in me Lord abide in me Abide in me Lord Make this house your home
-through shawna ray, today 3/23/13
Sermon Notes:
All Heaven breaks loose
An entry fitting for the king of Heaven He comes in prophetic way, deeply theological (grounded in scripture)
Zachariah 9- he comes on a donkey as in the old testament With power clothed in humility
Lowly-on a donkey Elicits a highly passionate response
The first palm Sunday was spontaneous active worship in response - welcoming Jesus, laying down the path
When Jesus comes, there is a shift and movement ready to take place
Son of David - a King that God would raise up!
Procession concludes at the temple- God's home. Jesus drives out the money changers. Not about buying and selling. Make this a house of prayer and welcoming.
1 Corinthians 3:16- you are God's temple. Your body is a temple of the holy spirit
Revival is about the supernatural but true revival is about hearts turned toward Jesus (repentance) with a fresh revelation and affirming love
God wants to renovate your soul and decorate your house
He wants every part of you - hearts on fire not trying to please everyone. True to the word and messages in Spirit and truth
Might not be "seeker friendly" but we will be sensitive seekers, surrendered to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through us and meet people as they are with love and acceptance, pure and real. This is God's house. All are welcome. God will set you free and wants to use you to welcome more souls into the Kingdom.
Romans 12
#palm sunday; #Jesus; #easter; #welcome; #House of God; #temple; #Spirit #abide; #make this house your home; #home; #renovation; #Grace; #holiness; #worship; #prayer
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This is sink or swim and I came diving in
But now I'm dodging sharks in the water
Always out for blood, maneuvering because
Everyone has their own agenda
Well we just need to take this thing higher
Cuz we're not playing games in the waves
Keep looking out beyond where it's deeper
Hearing as the wind seems to say...
Walk on
Keep moving through the storm
Walk on
Keep believing and holding on
Leading God's children
Into the promised land
Walk on
Woah Walk on
See the goal ahead beyond a sea of red
And know the power that is within you
Speaking to the dead remember what you read
Now watch the waters parting before you
Yes we are gonna take this thing higher
Cuz we're not playing games in the waves
Keep looking out beyond where it's deeper
Hearing as the wind seems to say...
Walk on
Keep moving through the storm
Walk on
Keep believing and holding on
Leading God's children
Into the promised land
Walk on
Woah Walk on
We will dance
We will celebrate
Love will conquer hate
Every time any day
Yes we will live
And we will laugh and learn
Not afraid of work
Together we'll build a bridge
To walk on
Keep moving through the storm
Walk on
Keep believing and holding on
Leading God's children
Into the promised land
Walk on
Woah Walk on
Walk on
Woah Walk on
- shawna ray 3/20/13
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Please don't tell me that God has made this happen
I don't want to believe he'd do this to me
But I can believe all things happen for a reason
I'll keep looking for lessons that can teach
And I will own it
Learn from it
And ask for forgiveness
Anytime I make a mistake
Keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Fancy free
Please don't feed me a line that feels self righteous
I could never be tied to your right way
But I can respect you and ask you to also respect me
We'll find love and commonality
Yes I will own it
Learn from it
And ask for forgiveness
Anytime I make a mistake
And keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Fancy free
So get your fancy free feet on the dance floor!
Come get down and don't mind them at all
I gave my fancy free heart to the savior
I keep walking through those open doors
And I have owned it
Learned from it
And asked for forgiveness
Anytime I've made a mistake
Keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Keep growing on...
Fancy free
Live fancy FREE!!!
Fancy free...
Live fancy free!
-shawna ray
"Don't let pride hold you outside"
-Pastor Gary Keesee
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I won't be tied to a run down life
I'm listening up when my gut speaks out
I let the fear and the pain pass by
I don't have time to keep going back
I see bigger, better brighter days ahead
I am stronger, wiser different from my past
I am living, learning, looking for the good
I will be in love to find a love that lasts
Let's keep it real, times are tough I know
When we can laugh state of mind is home
If you get stuck pick it up and go
Dig in and do what you can do now
I see bigger, better brighter days ahead
I am stronger, wiser different from my past
I am living, learning, looking for the good
I will be in love to find a love that lasts
Loving life
Feeling free
Just as happy with me
As I'll ever be with someone else...
Who sees bigger, better brighter days ahead
Who is stronger, wiser different from the past
Who is living, learning, looking for the good
Who will be in love to be my love that lasts?
I will be in love to love the one that lasts
By shawna ray, today 3/8/13
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Why does there have to be only one way to be right???
Reinvention isn't for the
Ones who avoid intervention
Things that worked then had their reason
Outgrown systems need attention
Now is a new day
Change is upon us
Open your mind wide
Life is a catalyst
Time awaiting steps we're taking
Foresight, insight, rearranging
Moving in collaboration
Listening and re-engaging
Now is a new day
Change is upon us
Open your mind wide
Life is a catalyst
For dissipating greed and angry
Pockets holding change resisting
Anything remotely close to
Fears so deeply rooted in the
Programming that ran the thing back then..
Well this is
Now- feel a new day
Hope is within us
Open your mind wide
Life is a catalyst
Old dogs learn new tricks
Good is the new rich
Learning to teach with
Hands on assertive
Creative compassion
That flexes and forges
The way
to a new day
Change is upon us
Open your heart wide
Life is a catalyst
By shawna ray, today 2/20/13
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WHOLE
By Shawna Ray today, 2/13/13
Idea for Whole Health Outreach Learning & Engagement/Empowerment
Inspired by Geoffrey Canada's books and speaking at the Ohio State University about "cradle to college" community change and this past year of new awareness and lessons learned through the changes and challenges working in Weinland Park and also in the poverty of office systems. Also messages from Pastor Matt Rice at Life Church about Spirit-receiving, Soul, mind processing emotions, and body thats moving...
(vs 1)
Pieces and parts
Where does it start?
Conceive to college
Learning in birth
Feeling it all
Positive thoughts
Leading to purpose
Lifting our worth
(chorus)
Spirit Body and Soul
Human and Whole; Learning and Health
Mental and Physical
Stable the Core; Hopeful in love
Wholeness is Wellness
Wellness is Whole
Whole, Whole
(vs 2)
Recovery
Root of money
Meant to be traded
Meeting a need
Reprogramming
Research showing
Increment changes
Community
(chorus)
(chorus)
Spirit Body and Soul
Human and Whole; Learning and Health
Mental and Physical
Stable the Core; Hopeful in love
Wholeness is Wellness
Wellness is Whole
Whole, Whole
(bridge)
Feed the Hungry
Teaching, Learning
Jobs and Housing
Tide is Turning
Shift Incentives
Changing Thinking
Helping, Healing
and Sustaining
(chorus)
Spirit Body and Soul
Human and Whole; Learning and Health
Mental and Physical
Stable the Core; Hopeful in love
Wholeness is Wellness
Wellness is Whole
Whole
Whole
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Some will sit on the board and a high horse
Some will judge moving power and politics
Underneath layered deep
There's a person who's feeling hopeless
Meet me at the core of the need
Take time to feel, help and see
You will learn just as much as you think you can teach
At the core of the need
Core of the need
Building relationships can be challenging
Change will come when the one is empowering
Are you willing to get a little messy
Leave your title and agenda at the door please
Meet me at the core of the need
Take time to feel, help and see
You will learn just as much as you think you can teach
At the core of the need
The core of the need...
Is love and understanding
Survival living will multiply pain
Show and share with me
If you just tell me I won't hear a thing
And if you only throw money some things will never change...
Until you meet me at the core of the need
Take time to feel, help and see
You will learn just as much as you think you can teach
At the core of the need
Core of the need
Core of the need
Core of the need
By Shawna Ray 1/30/13
All proceeds from this new song will go to Moms2B www.moms2bohio.com
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Happy 13th Birthday to my baby girl/beautiful teenager making her way through the challenging middle school season. It will get better. Look for the good as you continue on this journey through life.
Live, Give, Love, Laugh, Learn...
I love you and will always be your biggest fan,
Mom
