Musical Inspiration... and A Giveaway?

Amidst this crazy what-was-I-thinking running journey that I am on, I've come face to face with what we often refer to as "the power of music". And it's reminded me of something that happened several years ago.

I was having severe pain in my left hip and my physician scheduled an MRI to check things out. I was fine with this until I showed up for the test to find out that having an MRI requires laying on a table and being slowly sucked into a very small tunnel-like space. The fact that I have issues with being in very small tunnel-like spaces made this very awkward for me.


I felt like a turkey on a conveyor belt headed for slaughter.



As I was about to run like the wind, hospital gown and all, the technician handed me a pair of head phones and informed me I had the choice of country, heavy metal (ewww), classical or classic rock. Music? No one said anything about music! I took a deep breath, said a quick prayer and squeaked out "classic rock" - just in time to begin my slow journey into the belly of that terrifying machine.  I closed my eyes and took another deep breath...and heard this:

And it don't take money,  don't take fame
don't need no credit card to ride this train
It's strong and it's sudden it can be cruel sometimes
but it might just save your life
They say that all in love is fair - yeah, but you don't care
But you know what to do when it gets hold of you
and with a little help from above
you feel the power of love
you feel the power of love

Can you feel it?Hmmm

I felt all the anxiety drain from my body as God used Huey Lewis to remind me that He was right there with me.  Huey. Lewis...who woulda thunk it?

There's nothing like my powerful God using the power of music to remind me of the power of His love... 

With a sense of peace, I finished my MRI without anymore problems.

So back to today.  I am learning to keep my focus, not watch the clock...and of course, sing along to my heart's content (only in my head though, 'cuz we wouldn't want to freak anybody out at the gym).  The music on my iPod continues to encourage me to keep going and finish what I started.  Yesterday, there were 3 songs that inspired me through the toughest part of my run.  And I am sure that since they inspired me, they will for sure inspire you - and so I will share them with you.

But here's the catch:  I am only going to give you a part of the lyrics.  You need to comment below and tell me the name of each song and who performed it.  The person who gets all three right will receive a spectacular prize from me.  I am not sure what that prize will be, yet, but I can almost guarantee it will be spectacular and will more than likely involve some form of chocolate.  If more than one person gets it right, I will, in a very non-biased way, determine a winner (translation: I will throw the names in a hat and have one of my children draw one out.)  Entries/comments must be posted by 6 PM (CST), Monday, April 4th.

Ready?  Ok, here we go!

Song #1: Seriously Sentimental

Just a small town girl, livin in a lonely world

She took the midnight train goin anywhere...

Don’t stop believin

Hold on to the feelin

Streetlight people

Don’t stop believin

Ohohhhhh….

Streetlight people

Ohhhh..

 (I found this one ironic, as my blog was originally titled "Random Thoughts of a Small Town Girl".  Yeah, way too long, I know - that's why I changed it.  Oh, and just ignore the "streetlight people" part - not sure what that has to do with anything)

Song #2: A Healthy And Eloquent Composition

You see God's a god of mercy, and God's a god of love.

And right now, He's gonna lend a helping hand from up above!

Praise the Lord! He's the God of second chances!

You'll be floored how His love your life enhances!

You can be restored from your darkest circumstances!

Our God is a God of second chances!

If you believe God's love is true

Then you should know What you should do!

(Repeat several times)

God gives a second chance!

Song #3: I'm Give, Give, Givin' It All She's Got, Capt'n

And I'll give, give, give (until there's nothing else)
Give my all (until it all runs out)

Give, give (and I'll have no regrets)
I'll give until there's nothing left to
Give, give, give (until there's nothing else)
Give my all (until it all runs out)
Give, give (and I'll have no regrets)
I'll give until there's nothing left

Well, there they are.  One's a little old, ones a little odd, and ones a little...totally cool.  As I write this, I am realizing that I am doing my first official "blogger giveway".  I feel so...weird.  Oh, well, good luck (and no peeking at other people's answers!)