His newest CD, And if Our God is For Us, is no exception.  The title is taken straight from lyrics of one of the singles, Our God, which has continued to be a favorite anthem, proclaiming the power and strength of God.

“Tomlin returns again and again to the believer’s connection with his Creator in these songs, whether the musical setting leans towards techno-pop or guitar-centered arena rock. After nearly a decade of album-making, Tomlin has lost none of his musical urgency or sense of spiritual mission.”

- iTunes Review

Each song speaks to the overall theme of the CD – that if God is for us, then what can stand against.  My personal favorite song, I Lift My Hands, addresses this theme, but from a different angle.  This song sings of the faith that we must put in God and surrender to His love.

I hope you’ll consider picking this album up. I know you will hear Tomlin’s heart as he sings to God. I pray God blesses you as you worship Him through music.

- Amanda Keys

Name: Carol Hawkins

Role you play in the worship ministry: Vocal – soprano or alto

Family Info:

I am blessed with many special nieces and nephews, and now great-nieces and nephews. I love spending time with them!

How long have you been on the worship team at LBF?

Since it began.

Why are you part of the worship ministry? I love to praise God with my voice and share that experience with others on the team and the congregation.

What are some of your favorites…?

• Food: Mango Sticky Rice from the Whole Earth restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Yummy!
• Book: I enjoy The Chronicles of Narnia
• Movie: Hard to pick…
• Song: ”The Revelation Song”
• Worship Song: ”Mighty to Save” is one of many favorites
• Band/Musician: Fernando Ortega
• Hobby: Working in my yard

What animal would you say your personality is best described as?

Maybe a songbird!

What is your earliest childhood memory?

Living on 11th Street in Upland when I was about three and playing “Rose Parade Queen” with my sister on New Year’s Day

What is something that everyone should know about you?

My great grandparents settled in the Ontario/Upland area in the late 1890’s. I’m the fourth generation that grew up in the house that they built.

What is one of your defining characteristics?

I guess my voice would be it.

What is the thing in your life you would say is your greatest accomplishment?

Completing my bachelor’s degree when I was in my early 50s.

When you are in front of large groups of people, a common thing for you to think is…

…Don’t be distracted by people who seem to not be paying attention.

What is a talent you do not posess that you wish you did?

I’d love to play the piano well, not just the little I am able to now.

What is the best way for someone to encourage you?

A note in the mail makes me smile.

What is a favorite quote or Bible verse that has impacted your life?

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord – plans to prosper you and not harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” That verse meant so much to me when I was going through some very deep waters. And also many Psalms.

Music… Media… Lights… Sound… How can God use you? Click the link and find out!!!

Like my friends in high school were with this girl, worship services, and primarily the music played in them, is often seen as a mediator between people and God. When we find ourselves unable to enter in with a heart of worship, it may be an indicator that we have become dependant on music, songs, style, or an environment to lead us into worship, rather than allowing the Holy Spirit to do it. This makes the very act that we intended for God’s honor and pleasure, idol worship. That’s right, we can begin to “worship” worship!!

When Paul and Silas sang in prison (Acts 16:25-26), it wasn’t because they heard the intro to an old favorite church song and were inspired by the lyrics. When David danced in his underwear before the Lord (2 Sam. 6:16-22) it was not because the newest Chris Tomlin song came on the radio, and the driving beat was current and hip. Worship happens when our souls encounter the Spirit of the living God who, by the way, does not have a favorite worship song. The Holy Spirit does not move only when the lights are down or we are able to sit or stand and sing (whichever your preference may be). These may be preferences, and the music may be a vehicle, but it should never become the reason we praise.

1Chronicles 16:23 Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. 24 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. 25 Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. 26 The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the LORD made the heavens! 27 Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill his dwelling.

This is why we worship, because He is worthy. To be moved by certain worship songs, and to find comfort in a certain atmosphere is fine, but when our ability to worship is conditional on these things, and we find ourselves disappointed, or even angry that we are not being served by the music, it may be that we have made an idol of our worship preferences. Worship “preferences” become worship “idols” when we depend on them to act as the mediator between us and God. Jesus already fulfilled that, now we are called to worship. I certainly join you in this journey to allow worship to come from my soul rather than when my preferences are met. So let’s come together and worship in Spirit and in Truth.

This is a song based on Jude 1:25 which says, “All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” This is a great declaration song of faith in the almighty God who sent His son, and a cry to our Creator to take our lives and use them for His glory.

On the home page you will be able to listen to the song, and watch a video by clicking on the “Featured Video” tab.

All My Life- Parachute Band

When I Think About The Lord- Shane and Shane

Amazing Grace (My chains Are Gone)- Chris Tomlin

Be The Center- Andy Green

May The Words Of My Mouth- Tim Hughes