The Story Behind 'Broken Hallelujah'

Here's the story behind the song Broken Hallelujah by The Afters....

 

Beauty From Ashes

Just bought the new The Afters album - Life is Beautiful (well, new to me at least, I think it came out in April of this year).   And discovered the song ' Broken Hallelujah. It's been a long time since a song has instantly brought tears to my eyes, but this one did.  The inspiration for the song comes partly from the Book of Job and partly from the life situations of the writers/musicians.  I can't seem to hear it enough - I have fallen asleep listening to this song every night for the last week!  It is such an uplifting song.  Even the kids love it!

My favorite line in the song...
'Even though I don't know what your plan is, I know You're making beauty from these ashes.'



Here are the lyrics to the song...

"Broken Hallelujah"

I can barely stand right now.
Everything is crashing down,
And I wonder where You are.

I try to find the words to pray.
I don't always know what to say,
But You're the one that can hear my heart.

Even though I don't know what your plan is,
I know You're making beauty from these ashes.

I've seen joy and I've seen pain.
On my knees, I call Your name.
Here's my broken hallelujah.

With nothing left to hold onto,
I raise these empty hands to You.
Here's my broken hallelujah.

You know the things that have brought me here.
You know the story of every tear.
‘Cause You've been here from the very start.

Even though I don't know what your plan is,
I know You're making beauty from these ashes.

I've seen joy and I've seen pain.
On my knees, I call Your name.
Here's my broken hallelujah.

With nothing left to hold onto,
I raise these empty hands to You.
Here's my broken hallelujah.

When all is taken away, don't let my heart be changed.
Let me always sing Hallelujah
When I feel afraid, don't let my hope be erased
Let me always sing Hallelujah.
Let me always sing Hallelujah.

I will always sing
I will always sing
Here's my broken hallelujah.

Spaghetti Trees?

I know I'm a little late with April Fools but I am teaching on deception this week and found this video from 1957.  It is pretty funny and very well done for its time - check it out.  I think this was the first time that TV was used to propagate an Aprils Fool joke.  Gotta love the BBC - they have such a subtle and classy sense of humor!

 

Snow!

This afternoon, we had a cold front come up from the South Pole and it brought with it some snow (mixed with sleet, hail and rain).  This is the first time I have ever seen that much snow falling, here in the Wellington area.  A few people who have lived here for decades said they have never seen this much snow either.  Unfortunately, it was too wet to really stick - would have been fun to make a snowman!  Or at least a snowball or two.  ;-)  Anyways, the kids thought it was pretty cool so they got out for the few minutes - ahhh, memories of fun times in the snow in Germany.  Makes me homesick for the Freiburg and Germany.  Here's a short video clip...

From Vids - snow

We Are The Chapmpions....

Congrats to the Wellington Saints for their 2011 New Zealand NBL championship win over the Hawks.  Great game guys!  The kids and I and were able to take a couple of our friend's kids with us to the Final and it was really fun.  And even though not all the kids understood all aspects of the game, they loved the atmosphere of the game and arena.

Here is a slideshow of the post-game celebrations and autograph signing. It was pretty cool that we could come right down to the floor and talk to the players - our kids were a bit nervous being around these GIANTS! Notice how HUGE some of these guys are - the kids barely come up to their hips! (click on the foto below to watch the slideshow)

From Vids - saints

Scottish Line Dancing

The kids have been taking Scottish Line Dancing the past few months and have really enjoyed it. Last night, even Dariah got in on the action (well, with the help from one of the mums - you ain't getting me out there, I have 2 left feet!). Dariah really wants to be a part of the dance group, so here she goes...

(Notice in the video, near the end that she doesn't just dance, she bounces and floats and is sometimes dragged and carried, ;-) ).  Auntie Doro, your little goddaughter is a-growin' up too fast!

PS - the video was a bit choppy - I only had my cell phone with me, so that's as good as it gets.

David

From Vids

Becks' Memory Lane - Air Supply (Part 5)

This one got Becks singin' along. She was in 2nd grade when this one came out!

Memory Lane - Air Supply (Part 4)

Ok, I lied. THIS is the last flashback for now. Ahhh, junior high school dances.....

Memory Lane - AIr Supply (Part 3)

Ok, I promise this is the last video (for today).  But you gotta admit - brings back memories of the youthful innocent days, doesn't it?

Memory Lane - Air Supply (Part 2)

Here's another one - ohh, the clothes, hair and music!  AWESOME!

Memory Lane - Air Supply

Wow, this brings back memories!  It kinda dates me doesn't it!?!  How many of you remember listening to this band?  Come on, I KNOW I am not the only one!

Jesus Toast? How About Yoda Tortilla!

Our oldest daughter was eating a plain tortilla one day, just nibbling at it and suddenly she drops the tortilla and exclaims - 'it's Yoda!'  And sure enough, it WAS Yoda - in flat tortilla format!  Oh, miracles of all miracles!

Now if only we can find a way to market this like the guys over at www.jesustoasters.com!  They have invented a toaster that burns a picture of Jesus onto your toast (inspired by that lady in Florida who sold on ebay a grilled cheese sandwich with a picture of Jesus burned into the toast!).  So now you can have your own Jesus toaster!  How cool is that!  Breakfast with the Lord every morning!  Here's the youtube video...

CCW Tennis Tournament

Wow, it's been a while since we posted anything here.  Life got busy over the summer and Christmas holidays (not to mention moving house!). Hopefully I will be more consistent now that summer is over and the kids have started school again.

Anyways, we had a fun church tennis tournament at the end of Jan.  Here are a few fotos from the day...

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Phamily Elf Charleston

And this one is of me and Becks cutting the rug...

Phamily Elf Disco

The boys and I did this one special for you all...

Ordination - Miguel

Here's the service from our home church where Miguel was ordained as pastor of the CCM Spanish Fellowship. Congrats!

Phamily Elf 80's

And here is a video of Becks and the girls doing their dance...

Phamily Elf Hip Hop

Here is another video we did. Hope you enjoy it...

CC Murrieta Spanish Fellowship

During the year that we lived in the USA, between leaving Germany and coming to New Zealand, I had the privilege of serving as pastor of the Spanish Fellowship at our home church - Calvary Murrieta.   It was a special time that we had with the Spanish Fellowship - we were able to help them during the time that they didn't have a pastor, but more importantly (for us at least), they were one of the reasons that helped us get through the re-entry stress of coming back to our home culture after over a decade in Europe.  They accepted us into their fellowship and really made us feel at home.

And during that time as their leader, we got to know Miguel and Elva and their 5 wonderful kids.  Miguel is a true servant of God - he was always ready to do whatever I asked, like wash my car, do our laundry, cook, etc.  (just kidding!).  But truly Miguel was a humble man who was ready to serve in any capacity - from cooking at potlucks, to setting up tables to teaching to translating.  He was basically my right-hand man!

And it makes me so proud of him and his family that our home church ordained him this past weekend!  That they saw Jesus working in and through him and simply recognized that.  So from the Phamily to Miguel, Elva and the kiddies - we're so proud of you guys!  And are so thankful of all that God is doing in your lives.  And are privileged to have you guys as friends!  Thanks for your friendship, prayer and support!

Here's a video of the ordination in the Spanish Fellowship.  Miguel will also be presented before the main body at CCM next weekend.

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Another Phamily Disco...

Here's another video that Becks and I did. We were groovin' to the tunes!

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