I Woke Up WORTHY: Words on Worth, Wholeness, Self-Esteem and Healing with Shannon Evette
Shannon Evette is empowering others to know their worth, to know that you were created worthy and have value beyond what the world says you do. Listen to her share encouragement above. Below Shannon speaks with Jay Barnett, therapist and speaker, about love and relationships and how knowing our worth is important when it comes […]
Read More »I Woke Up WORTHY: Words on Worth, Wholeness, Self-Esteem and Healing with Shannon Evette
Shannon Evette is empowering others to know their worth, to know that you were created worthy and have value beyond what the world says you do. Listen to her share encouragement above. Below Shannon speaks with Jay Barnett, therapist and speaker, about love and relationships and how knowing our worth is important when it comes […]
Read More »A Leap of Faith Into Who You Are in Christ – Heart to Heart with Dr. Naima Johnston-Bush
Dr. Naima speaks about how she learned to trust in God as a young woman and gives advice on embracing your identity in Christ…
Read More »Alex G on Overcoming Anxiety and Music with James David and Danielle Bennett
Life can get stressful especially in the world we live in and maybe you can relate to Alex G’s story of how she’s learning to overcome anxiety – I definitely could relate to the frustration, feelings and am inspired by her vulnerability…
“I have had bad anxiety since I was 10 years old. For those of you struggling with it, I understand now that it can be really serious and damaging. Be compassionate towards each other. You have no idea how much it can help those with emotional needs!
“This is my story. I hope that it encourages others who struggle with mental disorders to start the process of stepping away from their shame and fear. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!” – Alex G
Be sure to check out Alex’s amazing music – here are some of my favorites: her passionate cover of “I Was Made For Loving You” with James David (DAVIE) (the original is by Tori Kelly and Ed Sheeran) and her original song Lighthouse with spoken word by Danielle Bennett – so beautiful, heart-moving and relevant to what so many people are feeling in the world today. All of these young artists are inspiring ones to follow, be sure to check out their sites below!
Read More »Video Pick & Inspiration: Happy Ever After by Skylar Kaylyn
“All our past will be back behind us, all our trouble will be forgotten now, that’s what I call a happy ever after in Heaven…” Lyrics from Happy Ever After
15-year-old Skylar Kaylyn’s song “Happy Ever After” is an upbeat and soothing reminder of the treasure that’s waiting for us in Heaven with God. The video and song are beautiful and inspiring, take a listen!
We love how Skylar sings and walks to a Heavenly heartbeat at a young age and is an inspiration to others! “Happy Ever After” is from Skylar’s original album titled “La La La” that is available on iTunes & Indie Heaven (click here to get it and to listen to more songs). You can also learn more about Skylar on Facebook here and her Youtube channel MuzicfromtheSKY.
Artist Notes
More About Skylar
My goal in being a Christian singer is to be able to impact boys and girls my age to live for Jesus every day whether they’re with friends at school or with friends at church. I want them to know that nothing else can satisfy their need for companionship and love and fulfillment like Jesus does.
My favorite Scripture is Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to Life, and only a few find it.” What this Scripture means to me is that living for Jesus might not always be the easy path, but it’s always worth it in the end.
My other favorite Scripture is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” It encourages me when I’m really busy and I might start slipping from my faith or I’m just tired…it helps me to stop and remember that He is my God and He is with me and He’s bigger than all of this…it always gets me calmed down. Jesus Christ is my Hope, my first Love, my Security, my Life and my Eternity. I hope He’s yours as well.
Skylar Kaylyn is 15 years old and was born in Mission Viejo, CA, spending most of her life growing up in a small town in Wyoming. She loves her family of dad Randy, mom Summer, her big brother Taran and her little sister Serenity. She also a large extended family and with 16 cousins she enjoys the crazy and chaotic family get-togethers.
Skylar introduces herself and talks about her album below:
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Soul Dreamer Journey – Editor’s Diary: You’re Never Alone
No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5
There are times in what we might call loneliness where people have drawn away from us, God is drawing us into deep fellowship and intimacy that few have experienced because they wouldn’t be still. Don’t run from seasons of silence and solitude but seek to hear His voice – He’s always there and waiting for you to draw closer to Him. Those are the times when you can get to know Him like never before and to discover your purpose in Him.
There was a span of time where I was experiencing deep alone-ness, after most of my friends had graduated and moved away. In the quietness of that time I first felt frustrated and lost, wondering why there seemed to be no I could relate to. After seeking God I found that it was in these times when we are not being bombarded by the noisiness of the world that God speaks, really speaks to us and draws us into our destiny…
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:11-14
Prolonged total isolation is never a good idea, when you find there is no one in your close circle, find a way to serve others and reach out to someone who may also need a friend – we were made for fellowship and that’s where we grow and thrive. However, don’t be afraid to take time to get away from the bustle and distractions of life to embrace those times of fellowship with your Creator, He’s waiting to get your undivided attention…
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28: 20
– Julene
Click here for more from my personal journal and blog.
More Journal Posts
To Boldly Go Where You’ve Always Imagined…
There are those dreams you are responsible for bringing to fruition in a sense; things you want to create, experience and learn how to do. “I want to (insert activity here)… someday.” Why not now, why not today?
Dreamfleur Diary – Stretch & Grow
No matter what creative field you’re in I think it is always a good idea to stretch and grow yourself in what you do…
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Book Review: Finding the Perfect Wave by Cheri Miklich
Book Review by Julene Fleurmond, Editor of SOAR
Finding the Perfect Wave is a great book that dives into the world of Alli Whitton, a 17-year-old avid surfer who seems to have it all together. When tragedy and change crashes into her world she has to learn to readjust, and to boldly face the rough trials in her path.
I really enjoyed the story and the way the the author created believable characters and situations that young people and adults can relate too. She also wasn’t afraid to delve into serious topics like losing a loved one and navigating the waters of rocky friendships, broken relationships and the feelings that come along with betrayal.
I found myself feeling for the main character Alli when she faced obstacles and especially when she felt out of place at times when starting at a new school. Of course a there was some romance weaved within, which I as a girl enjoyed, especially since the relationships didn’t go overboard like in other books and movies for young adults these days.
Cheri brought the characters’ faith into the story in a way that was natural and unforced, and draws the reader into their lives. The book is an encouragement to stand strong even when it seems that life is pounding on you from every side.
By the end I found myself wanting to find out more about Alli and her story, which thankfully I and other readers will be able to because Cheri has released a new sequel called Riding the Perfect Wave. You can order both books from her website at www.cherihmiklich.com.
More About Cheri Miklich
Finding the Perfect Wave, part one, is Cheri’s first novel and the first in the Perfect Wave series. She grew up in Southern California where she loved spending as much free time as she could at the beach. She and her husband Mark, live in Arizona with their four children. She loves to travel with her family, especially to beautiful beaches.
She has been asked on many occasions, “How does a stay at home Mom come to write a book?” Her answer… Continue Reading
Finding the Perfect Wave Book Description: From the Publisher
Alli…there’s been an accident.’ Her voice grew silent. ‘What?’ I began to hear sobbing coming from the other end of the line. A sick feeling overtook my whole body. The fear of what I was about to hear became a stronger reality with each of Sara’s sobs. ‘There was a really bad car accident, and Alli…’ She paused and began to cry louder. ‘H-He’s…gone. He’s dead.’
Seventeen-year-old Alli Whitton’s life just can’t get any better. She’s one of the best surfers in Huntington Beach, spending every day side by side with her boyfriend, Todd, and just days away from entering the halls of her senior year in high school. Then her dad is transferred miles away from her beloved ocean to the middle of the sweltering Arizona desert, and Alli’s perfect life is threatened. It takes an uphill turn, however, when she meets Jake, the school’s handsome soccer star, whose sandy blond hair and sharp green eyes remind her how to smile once again. All she needs to do is make it ten long months; then she’s free to return to California.
But when an unthinkable tragedy occurs, Alli is forced into mourning the loss of a dear loved one, leaving her suffering through the grieving process in a new school with none of her best friends to comfort her. Cheri Miklich’s Finding the Perfect Wave is a romantic coming-of-age drama where readers will learn, along with Alli, to smile and laugh even amidst life’s darkest hours. A new romance blooms, hope and faith fight to prevail, and a strong realization of passion for her dreams surfaces as she discovers who she is meant to be. Join Alli as she enters the waters of life and seeks to find the perfect wave!
To learn more about Cheri and her books, order, and read sample chapters visit: www.cherihmiklich.com.
Note: SOAR received a free copy of “Finding the Perfect Wave” for this review and was not required to give a positive review.
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Music Pick & Inspiration: Well Done – Music Video from Moriah Peters
“Well Done” is an inspiring song from 19-year-old Moriah Peter’s debut album I Choose Jesus, and the cheerful video will lift your spirits as she sings about two words we live to hear one day…
Moriah on “Well Done”
Bold, bright balloons and lights…that’s my kind of heaven.
My second single, “Well Done,” was written about the hope that we have in heaven. The anticipation of hearing these two simple words can inspire us to love extravagantly and take risks because we’re not living for this world, we’re walking by faith and trusting in what is not yet seen!
My prayer is that this video becomes a sweet reminder for us to enjoy not just endure life’s challenges, to love not just like our enemies, and with Christ as our strength and heaven as our destination, to live for the day we get to hear the powerful words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
Enjoy this day as if all of heaven were celebrating with you(:
Below Moriah gives more encouragement for our walk with God…
Moriah’s music is so soothing and heartfelt, and she shines with a passion for showing God’s love. You can find out more about her at www.moriahpeters.com.
Well Done Lyrics
I’m headed down this narrow road
Chosen by the few
And all that I know is
You told me to follow YouI’m taking a risk and leaving it all
Not knowing what I’ll go through
But I’m not alone
As long as I follow YouSo when my life’s a leap of faith
I can hear You sayWell done, well done
I’m gonna chase You, Lord
I’m gonna show the world Your love, whoa
I’ll run, I’ll run
I’m gonna run this race
To hear You say well done
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Inspiration: Don’t Have Love – Music Video from Holly Starr
Holly Starr’s inspiring song “Don’t Have Love” is from her upcoming full-length release, Focus and reminds us of the message of 1 Corinthians 13: That we have nothing without love…
About Holly Starr
It’s a story that’s so very modern but nonetheless charming and quaint: local farm girl writes songs, makes music, is discovered on the internet, and now she’s making albums and touring the country. In reality, though, this dream is still quite rare. And for her part, Holly Starr had not the slightest expectation that it would happen to her. That’s just how God wanted it.
Starr, with the fresh face, bright sound, and made-for-music name (it’s not a pseudonym!), releases her third full-length album, Focus, on October 2, 2012. It brings a collection of songs reflecting growth and maturity alongside a vibrant pop sensibility and a heart for worship.
Find out more about Holly at http://hollystarrmusic.com.
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Inspiration: Remedy from Rachael Lampa (Official Music Video)
In the song ‘Remedy’ from Rachel Lampa’s album “All We Need” she sings about the one true solution for our lives:
I know where to go, to heal my heart, to sooth my soul,
But everything’s spinning out of control!
I know, I know to stay alive it gets so crazy day and night
But I got somebody by my side, by my side!Every time I cry, and I wanna hide,
Feeling like I’m damaged on the inside,
You know just what to do!Chorus:
You got what I need, you’re the remedy,
That’s why I’m keeping you close, you close
You know what’s best for me,
My only therapy…Jesus your love is my hope, my hope!
You’re my remedy, you’re my remedy!
You’re my remedy, you’re my remedy!On point, off track, one step forward, two steps back,
Some days are gonna just like that, just like that!
You’re my medicine…
Relieve my pain again and again
Always take me back, no matter where I’ve been, where I’ve beenEvery time I’m hurt and it doesn’t work
Feeling like it never could get any worse
I come running to you…
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Artist Notes & Inspiration: Tiffany Stanley on Her Acoustic EP ‘Love Spoken’
A few months back we featured Tiffany Stanley in our Artist Snapshots and shared the inspiring music from her album ‘Revival.’ Tiffany is working on new music, and released a FREE EP called ‘Love, Spoken’ which brings glory to God in soothing acoustic worship. I asked Tiffany what the story and inspiration is behind the EP and here’s what she had to say:
Tiffany Stanley on ‘Love Spoken’
‘Love Spoken’ is simply about the love that the Lord speaks over our lives daily. How that love literally overtakes our worries, burdens and strife, and leaves us in a place of longing to exalt Him! I ask myself, ‘How does love speak, and what does it say when it does?’ That’s the question I wanted to write about in this EP. The answer is, God is love (1 John 4:8) and in that love there is a whole lot of peace, life, healing & comfort.
There is an immense amount of freedom in love, chains are broken, relationships are fortified, and lives are changed. These three songs derived from personal times of worship with the Lord, and I pray that you are deeply moved into worship with the creator of the universe through them.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9
I find myself at a loss for words, because there is a certain quality about God’s love, and I find it to be quite unexplainable.. the way He loves us. It is so beautiful. It leaves me in awe and takes my breath away. The fact is: He speaks love over us everyday and I wanted to cultivate that thought into these songs. I give all the credit to Jesus, because He is the author & writer of them. My heart was simply inspired by His love.
You can download ‘Love Spoken’ for free at www.noisetrade.com/tiffanystanley. Visit Tiffany’s website at http://tiffanystanley.com to learn more about her ministry and to purchase her music – stay tuned for new music coming soon. You can also connect with her on Twitter and Facebook for more inspiration from her ministry.
Below: Tiffany Stanley sings her original song “Mighty God, You Are” from her EP ‘Love Spoken.’
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Dream On: The Revolve Tour 2012 is Coming to a City Near You
If you’re a teen girl be sure to check out The Revolve Tour 2012 – Dream On, coming to a city near you!
Featuring: Stellar Kart, Jamie Grace, Jenna Lucado Bishop, Chad Eastham, Courtney Clark Cleveland, Harris III, and KJ-52
It’s back! Don’t miss Dream On, the 2012 production of The Revolve Tour! We’ll be in Rochester, NY on March 3, 2012 with real-life stories, dance-worthy music, and more fun than you can handle combined in a high-energy, inspirational, life-changing Saturday event for teen girls!
Visit http://www.revolvetour.com to find out more and to register!
Click here for our coverage and pictures from last year’s Revolve Tour!
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“Show Some Love” Youtube Pick: Your Life Has Purpose – You’re Not Alone (From FarAwayDistance)
In our SOAR Youtube picks we feature young people who are using their creativity to share the message of God’s word through videos. Want to share your video? Send us a message here…
In this SOAR Youtube pick, two teens, Shirley and her friend Abby, share a moving message to let you know how much you are loved and how your life has purpose, no matter what you may be going through. They share the story of how they and their school were affected by a suicide by a classmate, and give encouragement to others about the love of God that never fails:
You can subscribe to Shirley’s Youtube channel at http://youtube.com/user/FarAwayDistance for more of her creative and inspiring videos. For Valentine’s Day she posted tips on what you can do if you’re single, (which make great tips for any Friday night you’re feeling alone:).
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