Dream in Soul Creative Special: The Prodigal Daughter Prologue – Finding Identity & Trusting My Father
There could be that one decision that changes our lives and makes us realize the importance of trusting our Father’s Dream for us…
Here’s a special Dream in Soul Creative Project, part of the I Am Second Spoken Word Challenge – maybe you can relate to my story of finding my true Identity, watch the video below: The Prodigal Daughter Prologue
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Support a Dream: Staring at the Sky EP by Lynn Cifuentes
We love supporting others’ dreams here at Dream in Soul and SOAR, and this is a project we encourage YOU to support from an artist that inspires.
Lynn Cifuentes kicked off a Kickstarter project to help fund for her Staring at the Sky EP, her first release. I first came upon Lynn’s Youtube videos a few months back and was inspired by her moving covers and recently original songs that she’s shared. Here’s what Lynn says about her upcoming project that she needs your help to produce:
Note from Lynn on Staring at the Sky
Hey Everyone!
I am so excited about the great opportunity that I have before me to make this lifelong dream of mine a reality. With your help WE can make this record happen. The EP titled “Staring at the Sky” comes from a very deep place within my heart. It was the tragic death of a very dear friend Timmy in 2008 that got me questioning God about who I am and what purpose I serve in this life. I turned to my journal and started writing down my feelings, anything I read, heard or felt bled out of my pen and onto the pages. It was my way of dealing with my feelings and those simple words turned into melodies and it was as though music and writing were the only two things I was absolutely sure of. I started looking deeper within myself and cried out to God one night and I distinctly remember Him reminding me that my life had a purpose and I would only discover it in Him. That purpose was to just WORSHIP. So I linked up with my pianist and my simple words became songs that I hope will be a blessing to everyone that hears them, and brings worship to the heart of God.
This EP contains 7 tracks that are a mixture of love songs to God as well as worship. This will be my first ever EP and it’s an exciting season of my life, one that requires that I place my complete trust in God. After searching for the right producer I found one who understands the vision and passion I have for this EP. He is located in Nashville, TN and if I accomplish my goal of $5,000 (with your help, of course) I will be able to lay down my vocals, pay for studio musicians, pay the producer and ultimately have a mix and mastered product.
The goal of reaching $5,000 when you look at it, it looks intimidating and at first I thought “Wow, this is too much”. The truth is, it’s not. I believe that if you have a desire in your heart and God places a Dream in you, then you should give Him everything you’ve got to reach the places that He’s carved out for each of us. I want the production of my work to reflect the gift that The Lord has given me and for Him to get the glory for it.
As I write to you all and I reflect on the start of this journey I can’t help but to be thankful and feel blessed. I never thought that I would find the courage to even create this Kickstarter page and invite all of you into the journey with me. I know that this whole thing is a result of Gods leading on my life and that I truly am nothing without His grace.
So with your faith in me and my faith in God we can make this a reality. My motto lately is DreamBIG and I truly believe in this, so if you have dreams, then I pray you do something about it and make it happen
Thanks for reading.
God Bless,
-Lynn
Click here to visit Lynn’s Kickstarter project page and show your support with any amount that you’re led to give. Keep following your dreams Lynn, you’re an encouragement to others to do the same!
Check out some of my faves from Lynn’s Youtube channel a cover of “I See Heaven / Holy Spirit” by Bryan & Katie Torwalt and the first video I came across from her, a cover of Kari Jobe’s “I Know You Are For Me”:
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The Pre View: An “Inner-view” with Music Artist and Producer t.Jay on Dreams, Faith and Trust
“God plants dreams in your heart and in your soul for a reason…” – t.Jay
Growing up, t.Jay (TJ Pompeo) had a devastating experience that could’ve permanently skewed his spiritual vision. Thankfully, through a myriad of circumstances he realized that the only way to truly see clearly was to keep his eyes focused on the Cross and to give his life and dreams to the One who set him free…
Editor’s Music Pick: Below take a listen to t.Jay’s song “Tomorrow” (ft. Corbett) about waiting on God’s timing for your life and dreams. It’s one of my personal faves from t.Jay’s album The Pre View that you can download here for free.
At age 15, t.Jay embraced his passion for music and started stepping into the rhythm and purpose God placed in his heart by producing and writing songs. As he matured and honed his craft doors started to open for him to share his music on a wider scale. During the summer of 2011, he was discipled by Cross Movement Records group Level 3:16 and embarked on a tour around the nation. Since then, t.Jay has traveled the world, touring in England, Spain, France, Italy, Japan, Uruguay, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and many more, and he’s had the privilege of sharing stages with many incredible artists like Da T.R.U.T.H. (check out a video of them performing together below).
t.Jay joins in on Da T.R.U.T.H’s song “Hunger Games” at the Impact12 Conference:
I first came across t.Jay’s music through the Impact Movement (an amazing organization we’ve been supporting for the past few years on Dream in Soul) and we’ve previously posted t.Jay’s song with Level 3:16, LOVE. The fresh vibe he brings (he describes as a mixture of hip hop pop, soul and R&B that can’t be put in a box) and sound messages in his music will impact people of all ages. In this candid interview t.Jay tells us about his journey, overcoming a tough experience in his childhood and how he’s learned to trust God with his life and dreams. Here’s just a preview into what makes his heart – and music – beat…
Dream in Soul: We know you do music, but music isn’t who you are- so let’s start off with who is t.Jay? How would you introduce yourself to us, where are you from, what moves you, etc.?
t.Jay: Right, so like you said, “t.Jay” is my artist name and that’s what fans know me by. Everybody who’s known me for a while just calls me TEEJ. TJ is my real name, and it IS short for something, but you’ll only know what the “T” stands for if you’re friends with me on Facebook. =D I’m 22 years young. I’ve got roots in Long Island, NY, but I was raised in the small city of Harrisonburg, VA. I’m all about family, and the one that I have is absolutely amazing. They’ve all been so key in getting me to where I am as a young man and as an artist. I’m also big on family because I’m very Italian. It’s just who we are. One big happy (and loud) family. Along with my family, my friends and my mentors are equally as incredible. They’ve without a doubt been my motivation through life, music and all. They encourage me consistently, and I’m so grateful for them. What else??? Hmmm. I love cheese sticks, having slap-boxing fights with my friends, and collecting rainbow colored gumballs (JUST kidding… Kind of). My favorite show is the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Denzel is by far my favorite actor. One of my goals in life is to visit all 7 continents. Oh, and I’m a sucker for romantic comedies. Sorry fellas.
Dream in Soul: Can you give some background about your story and how you came to know Christ, how you got started in making music then transitioned to dedicating it to God? Did you start out writing music & producing on your own or were there people instrumental in mentoring you? (Can you also share the significance of the way you write your artist name?).
That’s a long one, but I’ll try to not write a novel. As far as my artist name goes, like you said, there is a story behind the way I’ve decided to spell it. When you think of a capitalized letter, it typically symbolizes something of importance, or something that has significance. Someone’s name, celebrities, the name of a city or state, a type of car, a notable product brand, etc. I decided to make the “t” in my artist name lowercase and the “J” uppercase because I wanted it to symbolize that I have no significance without Jesus. TJ is nothing without Jesus. The “J” in my artist name represents Jesus Christ in me. It’s the only letter capitalized in my artist name because of what I stated above… His name is and always will be more significant than ANY other name to ever exist. My own obviously included. To put it simply… I suck without Jesus.
My story has a very common beginning though. I grew up in church, but never fully understood the concept of actually “walking with” or “following” Christ until I was 18. My life prior to 18 was full of bitterness and anger towards God, mainly due to things that occurred in my upbringing as a little boy.
When I was 8 years old, I was sexually molested by someone who I knew very well. It was absolutely devastating… That event would prove to shape who I would be for the next 10 years of my life. From the ages of 8-13, every single day was a Christian version of Halloween for me. I would wear the mask of Christianity on the exterior to appear like a “good kid,” but on the interior I was angry and I could have cared less about God or Jesus. When I was 14, I decided that I was sick of wearing the mask.. I wanted to live “my” life the way I wanted to live it and ultimately do what I wanted to do. This is also the age where I started experimenting with the typical peer pressures: Party scene, alcohol, drugs, chasing girls, etc. At this time, I also noticed that I really enjoyed the musical genres of Hip-Hop and R&B. All of my family was/is musically inclined (my dad, all three of my older siblings, and all six of my older cousins). They all played a significant role in getting me started with writing music…
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Music Pick: Everlife – Coming Home
Everlife recently shared that they would be wrapping up their time as a band, but wanted to leave one more personal project for their fans. Watch the beautiful video below for their song “Coming Home” about how their hearts long for the familiarity of where they’ve come from, and get the single on iTunes here.
More About EverLife
When three totally different women blend their voices into amazing symmetry and harmony, you know something beautiful is happening.
The girls of Everlife carry so many talents, among them graphic designer, speaker, and jewelry designer. Yet Amber, Sarah and Julia share a love of music that comes from deep within.
Singers and songwriters from a very young age, Everlife can lay claim to wonderful
success after being signed by the Walt Disney Company as teens. Their wholesome lifestyle and creative talent were a perfect fit for the brand that sets their standard high with families. The results culminated in world tours, contributions to 12 Disney compilation records, 2 CDs of their own and performances for millions of fans.But Everlife’s dream was to stretch their wings and continue singing as adults to an audience of their peers; expressing their opinions and feelings through their own songwriting, rather than performing even the most incredible music that what was handed to them.
Stories of confidence, finding beauty, and reveling in being a tad off balance are inspired by true-‐life occurrences and feelings that dwell in these amazing young women. Reflected in their lyrics are the honesty of their thoughts and the courage to express them. With Everlife what you see is what you get.
For more information on Everlife you can go to www.everlifeonline.com.
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Everlasting Love Gave Us Everlasting Life
The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3
God’s everlasting Love has drawn us into everlasting life through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So many of us miss out on the greater gift of discovering Him because we settle for the surface level of receiving from & knowing about Him…
When we delve deeper into God we find there is always so much more to be found in Him, all joy and peace and everything that is good. He bridged the gap so we can have eternal intimacy and true freedom with Him now and forevermore.
Let’s never forget the precious gift we have to seek God’s face and experience His supernatural presence, where He longs for us to be for eternity…
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This Is Our Love Story…
Once upon a sacred union there was a woman who had perfect Love in the beginning- but she was deceived and let her eyes wander. She disregarded Love’s truth and faithfulness for a taste of the forbidden, and in a bite of weakness she became blinded, disillusioned…
Even in her infidelity her True Love kept pursuing her, continuing to draw her in to be reunited, not letting her be consumed by the darkness of her mistakes. Her Love calls to her out from hiding, gently beckoning her seek and be found. He gave up the most prized of all, and gave the greatest gift so that their relationship could be restored even deeper and more passionate than before…
Because you see, once upon a perfect place before there was time, there was Love. He gave His life for you and I so we would know what True Love is…ultimate sacrifice, never-ending faithfulness, laying down one’s desires and life for another. We can never be fulfilled or know True Love until we fully embrace Him.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him…And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them…”
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4 (Read more in context)
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Upcoming Events: Impact Movement Conference 2012 – Mission in Action & Mali Music Concert
Impact is Back & MIA in New Orleans…
Imagine hundreds of young people gathering in one place for a unifying mission – to make an impact in today’s world by influencing their campuses and making Christ’s name known everywhere they go. That’s the essence of The Impact Movement, a ministry that empowers high school and college students to grow in Christ and spread the Gospel.
Impact’s annual conference returns to New Orleans this year for it’s 12th national conference “Mission in Action,” December 28, 2012 through January 1, 2013. From energetic musical guests to powerful messages this event is a great spiritual spark for young adults who are passionate about making disciples and those who want to delve deeper into God. Special guests this year include artists Level 3:16, Mali Music and Da’ T.R.U.T.H, and speakers Timotheus Pope, James White, Jada Edwards, Dr. Charles Gilmer and Rev. Charlie Edward Dates.
Last year Mali Music moved hearts toward God and set the atmosphere during a night of worship, and this year the Mali Music night session is open to the public on Sat, Dec 29, 2012 at 8:30pm. The night will open with Da’ T.R.U.T.H who recently released the first official single “J.I.F.E.” from his upcoming album “Love, Hope, & War.” Tickets are $16 in advance ($20 at the door) and are available by clicking here.
Visit http://impact2012.com to find out more about the Impact experience and how to register. If you can’t make it out to the conference this year, you’ll definitely want to watch the live broadcast streaming on the website starting December 28 for all of the main stage action and behind the scenes interaction.
Want to get a picture of what Impact is like? Watch the pre-conference event below featuring Mali Music, Level 3:16 and many others who talk about what Impact means to them:
Below Watch the Promo Video for the Impact Movement Conference 2012: Mission in Action and Get a Recap of Last Year’s Conference:
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Video Pick: Gold – Britt Nicole
Britt Nicole’s video for her song Gold is an energetic, inspiring reminder to put our worth in God instead of others. Be sure to get the song on her latest album Gold and catch Britt on the Hits Deep Tour alongside tobyMac, Brandon Heath, Mandisa, Chris August, Jamie Grace and Group 1 Crew.
GOLD Lyrics
You were walking on the moon, now you’re feeling low
What they said wasn’t true, you’re beautiful
Sticks and stones break your bones, I know what you’re feeling
Words like those won’t steal your glow, you’re one in a million
This, this is for all the girls, boys all over the world
Whatever you’ve been told, you’re worth more than gold
So hold your head up high, it’s your time to shine
From the inside out it shows, you’re worth more than gold
(Gold gold, you’re gold)
You’re worth more than gold
(Gold gold, you’re gold)
Well everybody keeps score, afraid you’re gonna lose
Just ignore they don’t know the real you
All the rain in the sky can’t put out your fire
Of all the stars out tonight, you shine brighter…
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Barlow Girl on the Making of The Final Song “Hope Will Lead Us On”
Recently Barlow Girl shared with their supporters that they felt God “gently leading” them in a new direction that would include retiring the band. Though we’re said to see the band go we’re grateful to them for 10 years of uplifting music that has touched hearts all over the world. Below is their final song as Barlow Girl “Hope Will Lead Us On” and a behind the scenes look at the making of the song.
One of my all time favorites from Barlow Girl that has encouraged me is the song “Never Alone,” watch the video for it below. What’s your favorite Barlow Girl song? Share in the comments: Read More »
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