Inspirational Videos

30-year-old Stefan Xidas is a huge Cubs baseball team fan. This young man with Down Syndrome has a heart for helping others and that passion recently helped a dream come true. Stefan was able to sing the National Anthem at Wrigley Field! Stefan quickly caught the eye of Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts when he created a GoFundMe Page to raise money for the Special Olympics Illinois. The challenge to Mr. Ricketts was that if Stefan could raise $5,000 he would have the chance to sing the National Anthem before a Cubs game. “I'd like to make a deal with Tom Ricketts, the owner of the Chicago Cubs. If I'm able to raise $5,000 for the Special Olympics Organization, Tom Ricketts will let me sing the National Anthem at a Cubs game.“ Amazingly, Stefan’s goal was quickly topped. He easily hit his fundraising goal and then some – $18,800 to be exact. It only took three days! A Cubs charity also stepped up and offered to donate another $18,000 bringing Stefan’s grand total to more than $36,000. THAT’S something to sing about! Stefan posted an update to his GoFundMe Page thanking everyone for their support and sharing a bit of exciting news: “I’m excited to announce that because of all of you, my dream is going to come true. The Chicago Cubs have asked me to perform the National Anthem before their game this Monday, September 10th at 7:05pm vs. the Milwaukee Brewers.” Holding his hand over his heart with a giant smile from ear-to-ear, Stefan sang an truly moving rendition of the National Anthem. His enthusiasm for the “great American pastime” and his love and respect for the Anthem were so touching! Well done, Stefan!

“For so long I carried the weight of my past, Cripple by burdens like stones on my back, I thought I had fallen too far from your grace, But you came and showed me the way” Dove Award winner, Zach Williams has a passion for those who are incarcerated. He recently released his song “Survivor” which was recorded live in Harding Prison near Nashville, TN. This project is truly important to Zach. “I have felt a calling to share my music and stories with men and women in prison in the hopes that lives can be changed by the power of the gospel. My prayer is to see chains broken and walls shattered. God has a plan for each and every one of our lives but we have to fully surrender to the Cross before those plans are revealed." Zach and his band went to Harding Prison and performed their uplifting worship songs for about 250 prisoners. Each song was an anthem of Hope to those who need to be encouraged that even after bad decisions, they can connect with a loving Heavenly Father. Ultimately it is through Christ alone that we are given freedom from death. That is a message that everyone needs to hear, especially those who may feel that there is no hope and no future. Zack’s music does just that. “Now all I can see are the fields of your grace, Wherever I run your leading the way, You shook the shackles off my feet, I found redemption on my knees, You gave me hope you gave me something to believe” There is no doubt that this anthem is a connecting point for us all. Everyone feels trapped and burdened by something in their lives. Praise God that He has given us redemption and offers us unending grace!

There’s no doubt that Francesca Battistelli has a heart for the Lord. The way she leads worship is absolutely amazing and I love hearing her sing out to God. This live performance of ‘The Breakup Song’ from Francesca is just what I needed to hear today to cast out all the fear and doubt. I love the chorus when she sings: ‘Fear, you don't own me There ain't no room in this story And I ain't got time for you Telling me what I'm not Like you know me well guess what? I know who I am I know I'm strong And I am free Got my own identity So fear, you will never be welcome here’ There may be times in our lives when fear starts to creep in and we may even doubt our relationship with God. These are the moments when we need to put all our trust in the Lord and He will guide us through the dark moments. With the strength of the Lord behind us, there is truly nothing that can stand in the way and that’s exactly what this song will remind you of. It’s so important to remember that we serve a mighty and powerful God. Fear may try to break us down, but with the Lord always near, fear doesn't stand a chance. I'm so glad that Francesca Battistelli put these words into song and now we can all shout His glory from the rooftops. Who else is saying amen right along with me?

Sometimes ad companies really know how to tug at our heart strings! So many of the Boomer generation are beginning to age and fall victim to their mortal bodies. With costs of elderly care on the rise, many of their children are becoming in-home caregivers. While this is an important step in development and life, it doesn’t make it any easier for either party. Caregiving isn’t just being a warm body in the room. Often it come with learning to care for all of the basic needs of the individual. One of those tasks is shaving. This is no easy task! It’s hard enough to shave your own face or legs without a nick, much less trying to help someone else. Gillette razors apparently received enough “help me” mail that they have recently introduced a new razor specifically designed to help with assisted shaving! With the new Gillette razor came the most touching documentary-styled ad “Handle With Care”. Kristian Rex is now caring his aging father who suffered a stroke. The pair share a striking resemblance. From first introduction of Kristian waking his father, “Good morning, Sir… How are you doing today?” Kristian cups his father’s face and they both share a chuckle. “I remember always looking at my Dad’s arms, when I was like 8,9, 10 years old. He had arms like Popeye...I so admired his physique. And now, it’s a different story, you know? And that’s just the way it is.” For adult children facing this experience with their aging parents, that one moment hits home – hard. After a childhood of seeing our parents as “infallible” it’s hard when it comes time to watch their decline and realize that the parent-child relationship is beginning to flip. Nothing can truly prepare your heart for the ups and downs that come with that role reversal. “...I’d do anything. Anything for him… It’s actually an honor to do that for your Father because he did that for me as a kid.” What a blessing to be able to love and care for each other! Though it’s a truly hard daily feat,

September 16, 2018
Lisa Peter - HazelwoodUSA
https://www.HazelwoodUSA.weebly.com
find a church https://www.upci.org

“There's a place for us, Somewhere a place for us. Peace and quiet and open air, Wait for us … Somewhere.” In an unexpected song choice, Daniel Emmett wowed the America’s Got Talent audience with his performance of “Somewhere” from popular musical West Side Story. His pitch-perfect rendition was beautifully executed. West Side Story is a dramatic play (and 1961 film) loosely based off the story of Romeo and Juliet. Two young lovers find themselves battling their love against the hatred between their families and communities. The song “Somewhere” is sung after Maria cries out "It's not us...it's everything around us." To which Tony replies, "Then I'll take you away, where nothing can get to us." The song has become an anthem to many who are struggling with feeling as though they do not “belong”. “Somewhere. We'll find a new way of living, We'll find a way of forgiving. Somewhere” Daniel’s operatic voice was a great pairing with this strong anthem of hope. His voice effortlessly soared as he hit the higher notes in the song and built through the emotion of the music. It reminded us how much we love this song and the importance of it’s message to support and encourage one another. While slightly unconventional compared to his competitor’s choices, Daniel Emmett chose a piece that speaks to the heart of many. We all have hopes of a world that lives in peace with one another. Of course, only God can truly provide that peace and what a blessing to know that we as believers can love others and share that hope!

Take my leg, open my chest, ravage and do violence to my body, but you will never break me. I am the definition of unstoppable, I am the fire. Deep in the throes of pain is where I am most alive, completely exhausted, wringing and squeezing out the last of me. I’m the master of my life, I break life.

Take my leg, open my chest, ravage and do violence to my body, but you will never break me. I am the definition of unstoppable, I am the fire. Deep in the throes of pain is where I am most alive, completely exhausted, wringing and squeezing out the last of me. I’m the master of my life, I break life.

At 8am, Deputy Grant received a call of a man drowning near his home. This quick-thinking first responder rushed to the scene in hopes of being in time to save him. When he the officer drove up to the location, his body camera showed the lengths he had to go to in order to reach the drowning man. As he arrived, the deputy found a high locked security fence around the property. Without hesitating, Deputy Grant moved to the gate column and quickly scaled the 10-foot wall. "Number one thing was just get there. It didn't matter how. I looked at the wall and I saw that it was much taller than me, and I saw where there was a small electrical box and I figured it might hold my weight and I used it propel myself up," Grant told reporters. After Grant scaled the fence, he had to run across 5 acres to reach the pier. There he found the victim’s wife struggling to keep the man’s head above water. Thank God, Deputy Grant was able to get there so quickly! He quickly helped pull the man out of the water and onto the pier. But the worst was not over. The man was initially unresponsive. After a few quick chest compressions from Deputy Grant, the water-logged man groaned and began to regain consciousness. Deputy Grant rolled the man over on to his side so that he could spit out any collected water. Grant could feel that his chest cavity was full of fluid. The man’s wife told the Deputy her husband had been in the water for at least a half an hour after falling off the dock and becoming lodged next to the seawall. She may not have been able to hold him much longer. Grant had arrived at just the right time. What an amazing reminder that God can use others in our lives!

10 things you might not know about The Wall of Answered Prayer.

Sometimes running an NFL Marching Band means sitting in the rain and passing the time with your amazing air drum skills. That’s just what Raven’s band member, Pete Zirpolo did. The 54-year-old was sitting in the pouring rain when a well-known song came over the speakers. With no hesitation, Zirpolo began drumming along in time with the music. This wasn’t your average air-drum solo. He was hitting every beat and flare with precision. Spot on. Pete is no stranger to air-drumming. This musician has been tapping out amazing drum solos for years and has the moves to prove it. “I do it in the car, actually,” Pete told reporter Ryan Mink, BaltimoreRavens.com. “When I buy a car, that’s the drumming I do on the steering wheel and dashboard to see if it sounds good.” That’s right, he picks his cars by the sound of the steering wheel and dash. That’s dedication!! There’s no surprise to learn that Zirpolo played drums in several bands growing up. Once a musician, always a musician. After an injury to his wrist, Pete began playing keeping the beat on the cymbals and sousaphone for Baltimore’s Marching Ravens. This guy knows good beat when he hears it! Now he’s a “retired” musician and serving as VP for the Marching Ravens. Pete was recently caught on film by a local news person who saw him impeccably drumming along to the stadium soundtrack. Businessman by day, drummer extraordinaire by night? We don’t know but Pete definitely has some skills. We’ve watched the video over and over and each time find ourselves grinning from ear to ear!

“Can't see nothing in front of me, Can't see nothing coming up behind, I make my way through this darkness, I can't feel nothing but this chain that binds me, Lost track of how far I've gone, How far I've gone, how high I've climbed, On my back's a sixty pound stone, On my shoulder half mile of line” Almost two decades after the 9/11 attacks, wounds are still deep. Many had to lay family and friends to rest. Of those who passed, most were buried in memory only as they were never recovered from the rubble. The lack of closure added to the pain suffered by the families. But in spite of the tragedy came a great unity not just between Americans but throughout the world. People were determined that “good” would overcoming “evil”. Those who had never connected with faith were suddenly turning toward God for hope. Artists and performers used their talents to encourage each other. The Los Angeles based, 160-voice Angel City Chorale offered a truly inspirational performance of Bruce Springsteen’s “The Rising”. Written as a reminder of those first responders on 9/11, the songs’ lyrics are exceptionally moving. This stirring piece was sung during the semi-finals of “America’s Got Talent” and the anniversary of 9/11. "We were so humbled to perform Bruce Springsteen’s 'The Rising' tonight," posted Angel City Chorale on their Facebook page. "We dedicate this performance to the heroes in our society and the first responders 17 years ago who gave their lives for people regardless of who they were. Thank you for your support."

When Kaylee Foster asked her Mom if she could play football, there was only a slight hesitation before Mom suggested “Go ask your Dad!” It’s less unusual for females to be on the school’s football team now than in previous generations. For girls like Kaylee who have a dream of playing on the team, those dreams are now becoming a reality. We love her Dad’s response when she asked if she could play on the football team: “Life’s an opportunity, go see what you can do!” And that’s just what Kaylee did. She joined her Ocean Springs High School football team as a kicker. With the support of her parents and teammates, Kaylee was able to achieve her dream of playing football. “They’ve always been very welcoming of me and what I’m trying to do. They don’t treat me any differently.” But then something truly special happened– Kaylee was chosen as Homecoming Queen. It’s obvious that Kaylee has worked hard at not just her sport, but also at winning the hearts of her school peers. There is no question that they are proud of what their fellow student has accomplished! Kaylee was crowned Homecoming Queen just hours before the big game. Changing from evening gown to jersey Kaylee didn’t disappoint. She scored two field goals during the game… and the game winning point! When her kick flew towards the goal posts, it was obviously a spot-on attempt. Her fellow students and friends cheered from the bleachers. It was mere seconds before the entire team, her “brothers”, flooded the field to celebrate their hard-fought victory. What a huge accomplishment for this talented high schooler!

There’s no doubt that ice skating is truly a beautiful and elegant sport. Figure skaters put in so much work and practice to perfect their routines and it results in an amazing story told on ice using only their body. Professional ice skaters normally train for years and they can practice for hours a day, 7 days a week in order to live out their dreams. But it’s all worth it when they get out on the ice and the crowd truly embraces every moment. Stefania Berton and Ondrej Hotarek are talented figure skating partners who have competed all over the world. Their impressive routines have thrilled the crowds for years and today’s number is no different. Just watch as they perform at the 2012 Kings On Ice to an iconic movie song. 'I've Had The Time Of My Life' is one of the most famous songs from a movie soundtrack. Featured in the film ‘Dirty Dancing’ it is also the musical backdrop for the well-known dance sequence at the end of the film. Today, Stefania and Ondrej are performing an incredible ice routine to this song and it’s one you don’t want to miss. I love how they re-create the most popular moments from the movie and you can tell that the whole crowd is really getting into the number. This one just makes you want to get out of your seat and dance along. No wonder everyone is still talking about this ice skating routine so many years later. What did you think of Stefania and Ondrej’s number?

One of the most important moments in a woman’s life is when she gets married. It’s a time when she stands with the love of her life and they make a commitment to one another in front of God and family. But right before a bride says her vows, she has to make it to the altar. Normally, that means her father or other important male figure in her life walking her down the aisle. It’s always one of those special times that everyone cherishes and the entire crowd has their eyes on them. When it came time for Joanna to get married in Bialystok, Poland, she knew exactly who she wanted to walk her down the aisle. Her grandfather, 94-year-old Bronislaw ‘Grom’ Karwowski, was a decorated World War II vet. During the war, he was captured by the Nazis but managed to escape. But in 1948, he was arrested during the communist period and sentenced to 10 years in jail. Years later, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Rebirth of Poland. Joanna knew that this special man was who she wanted beside her on her special day. So with the most amazing strength, this man walked his granddaughter to meet her husband. It was a moment that touched everyone’s heart and even brought some people to tears. Sadly, two days after the wedding, Bronislaw passed away. But this unforgettable walk was captured on camera and now the family can cherish the memory for years to come. What an amazing man.

I created this video as a song to the Lord on the anniversary of my first miscarriage. Even in our pain He is still all that His word says he is, and he loves the sound of your voice in praise to Him. Recorded 9-11-18

Tyler and Thomas often rode their dirt bikes together. Taking a trail they had ridden on numerous times, the friends quickly found themselves in a scary situation. Tyler had fallen behind his friend. When Tyler came around a corner, he found Thomas “rolling on the ground and gasping for breath”. What they didn’t know was that there was a cable that had been stretched across the trail. Thomas had unknowingly ridden into the cable which had hit him in the neck and severed his windpipe. He kept repeating to his friend “I can’t breathe”. Tyler contacted Thomas’ parents as he rushed his friend to the hospital. When his mother learned of the situation, she began to pray. “Lord, if you’re going to take him home, tell me now”. That’s when she felt God speak to her: “You don’t go by what you see, by what you hear, you fight”. Before the young man was air-lifted to another hospital, his mother prayed with him and reminded him to “fight”. She began to encourage him that he would live. There was no question in her mind that God was in the midst of this family as they joined together in life-saving prayer with their church communities. Thomas underwent surgery to repair the damage. The family continued to cover him in prayer as he went through the recovery process. Doctors were unsure if he would ever speak or eat on his own again. But God had other plans. After a long recovery, Thomas not only was able to talk, but eat as well. He is now focusing his life on youth ministry and encouraging others. “When Christians are obedient to the discipline of prayer, and they act in faith, God responds to that.” “I definitely give Him the glory and the thanksgiving for just being alive!”

Barbershoppers are known for their amazing voices and ability to find tight harmonies. This particular group is made up of Barbershoppers of all ages, male and female, joining together from all over the country. Before coming together for rehearsals, the members join the group and are given access to the selected pieces that will be performed. It is their job to learn their parts and come to the national conference prepared. This particular group “Everyone In Harmony Chorus” performed for the Orlando International convention after only 3 rehearsals together. Singing “The Circle of Life” from Disney’s The Lion King this a capella group took the stage with a mighty sound. As the first few notes are sung in unison, it’s overwhelmingly beautiful. The song itself is a stunning piece with a glorious sweeping chorus. It’s energy can be felt within the music, the lyrics and of course, the voices. For many, this is a favorite moment in the opening of the Disney film as all of the animals gather together to welcome a new birth in their kingdom. The music mimics the rhythm of the African safari and the animal’s natural swaying patterns as they walk. “It's the circle of life, And it moves us all, Through despair and hope, Through faith and love, Till we find our place, On the path unwinding, In the circle, The circle of life“ There is no doubt that these talented singers are all enjoying being a part of this larger group. The joy on their faces during this piece radiates to the viewer. We loved seeing the multiple generations that made up this Barbershop chorus coming together to sing such an inspiring song!

In Genesis 19, Lot’s wife LOOKED BACK. She became in her death what she never was in her life.
She loved the world. She loved everything she had. She sort of wanted to follow the Lord, but wanted to “be in the world and of it,” too.

She became a useless pillar of salt. Did God mean what He said when He said, “Don’t look back!”

Where’s the Church? How can a pastor stand in a pulpit and not teach his people what is going on?!

Today, we have let corporations take over our churches and we see the judgment of God falling on His people. Think how much worse our culture has gotten since 9-11-01. You’d think because people flooded into the church after September 11, 2001, it would have helped them and strengthened our Christian culture. But the Church had no answer.

Darkness has enveloped this country and sin has entered the churches in the last 17 years. The Church will not arise. Is that God’s judgment? Trump is calling for Evangelical leaders to rise up, push back, take back the ground we’ve lost.

Repent and buckle up!

Pass the Salt!

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We love High School football games! The students are always so excited to be there and root for their team. Who can help but tap their toe along with the encouraging music played by the band. Since social media has become the norm, marching and pep bands have upped their game. This trombone “suicide routine” from China Spring High School in Texas, is not one to miss! A trombone suicide is a marching band term to explain the alternating pattern that the horns make to precise beats. Of course, it’s important that every member is paying attention and doesn’t forget when to duck or turn. It’s very easy to make a mistake. For this very reason some trombone slides are taped in place to keep from shifting during the movement. The CS High School group has obviously worked tirelessly on their choreography. As they line up, there is no denying they are pleased to present this difficult stunt for their fellow students and parents. The drum line begins the rhythm and the anticipation grows. With the first few beats, these musicians show that they have some strong dancing skills as well! The trombonist begin swinging their oversized instruments back and forth, and understandably, the crowd goes wild. This is the reaction they were hoping to receive! The percussionists continue to play a cadence while their trombonists counterparts move with precise accuracy to the beat. While more and more schools are beginning to ban the trombone suicide, it’s always exciting to see one performed well. Our heart raced a little bit and there was no denying a little tapping along to the rhythm while we watched!