Growing up as a military kid meant my musical foundation developed in patches across different bases and countries. Not every school had a dedicated choir program, but music found me anyway—through radio waves and the carefully curated cassette tapes we carried from station to station.
I still smile remembering the agony of choosing songs for my dad to record onto those precious tapes. The pressure of selecting a “favorite” felt impossible (honestly, how can anyone pick just one?), and my final playlist probably mirrored everyone else’s. But that’s how we discover ourselves, isn’t it? Through the familiar before we find our unique voice.
Music remains one of my most trusted companions, especially when words fail me. There’s something magical about how lyrics become poetry and melodies amplify the emotional depths of our experiences—the soaring highs and tender lows that make us human.
Songs Speaking to My Heart This Week:
• Burn the Ships – For King & Country
• I Believe in Love – Barlow Girl
• Counting My Blessings – Seph Schlueter
• Against the Tide (The Captain’s Tarantella) – Sail North
Yes, that last one’s a sea shanty—because who doesn’t love a good nautical adventure song? Each of these has stirred something different in my spirit recently.
“Burn the Ships” reminds me not to cling to the past out of fear. Sometimes we need to cut off our escape routes to truly move forward in faith, trusting that God walks with us into the unknown.
“I Believe in Love” speaks to those moments when I can’t see God’s presence but know He’s there—like feeling the wind without seeing it, His love surrounds us even in our blindest moments.
“Counting My Blessings” captures something beautiful: “I’ll keep counting my blessings, knowing I can’t count that high.” When we pause to notice the intricate details of God’s gifts, we realize gratitude could be a full-time job. “I run out of numbers before I can thank you for everything.”
“Against the Tide” connects to my favorite scripture, Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The world’s current constantly pushes us toward conformity, but we’re called to sail against that tide—to be transformed into Christ’s image. While I’m not sure about Jesus as a pirate captain, the adventurous imagery has sparked some exciting painting ideas outside my usual scope!
Tonight’s Return to Live Streaming
Speaking of creative adventures, we’re back tonight! This evening’s stream will be shorter and different as we settle back into rhythm. With Aspen at camp and some major studio reorganizing happening, I’m excited to share project updates and future plans that I’ll be exploring here on the blog.
I’ve restarted my garden and we’re working on a studio reset—perfect timing to share some tips if you’re also in a season of refresh and renewal.
Join me tonight at 7 PM CST on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCSDesignsCo
This will be a shorter “hello and catch-up” session. We’ll dive back into live creating on June 12th!
So, take a moment to quiet your breath and focus your mind.
God, we thank you for the beautiful music you inspire artists to create and share that in turn inspires and connects us closer to you. We thank you for another day to make choices and to share your love with others, choosing to show patience, kindness, and grace even when we get frustrated or feel like we’re in a hurry. Father, we’re thankful for the opportunity to connect in different ways, including digitally, and ask for your guidance and protection that week as we go through our days. Amen.
Friends — what songs are inspiring you? What lyrics keep coming to mind lately? Please share them in the comments below.
Grace + peace,
Samantha
Sprinkle some joy in the comments! 🎨