My name’s not Lisa

My Name’s Not Lisa

For a good part of my life people have confused my name Julie with the name Lisa. It does not happen that often today but when I was younger it happened a lot! If the names sounded alike I could understand. When I would correct them and say my name is Julie, I would occasionally get the response of well you look like a Lisa. The really funny thing is there is an actual song, ‘I’m not Lisa’ by Jessi Colter. I had my own personal theme song and I was not famous!
There was another time in my life where there was confusion about who I was. This was when I had moved to stay with my grandparents because my grandfather had a stroke. At one point he would say to me you are Julie but you are not Julie Ann, you are not Roy Lee’s daughter. We went through this daily for almost a month. His sister was visiting and when I had come home from one of my jobs I stopped to say hello before I got ready for my second job. Well the ‘You are Julie but not Julie Ann’ started again and by this time I was questioning who I was, but thankfully his sister told him, ‘That is Julie, she is Julie Ann and she is Roy’s daughter’. He turned to me smiled and asked, ‘Where have you been? I thought you moved back to California’. His sister explained that because he saw me everyday going to one job and coming home and getting cleaned up to go to my second job that in his mind I was two people. My day job I worked construction and then I worked as a cocktails waitress at night. So even my work clothes were very different. My identity was not defined by either of these jobs but to my grandfather it was confusing.
We have enough problems about learning who we are but when others add to the confusion they are not helping especially when we have found our identity and know who we are. I am still learning a lot about myself but I know that I am a daughter, a sister, a cousin, a granddaughter, a niece, mother, aunt, grandmother, a friend, and I am a woman. None of these did I create, but what I was created to be, because my Father in Heaven created me. I am His, I am a child of God, a royal priesthood, and I am the head and not the tail because of Him. We are living in a world that is confusing the people about their identities let us not add to their confusion with hatred and condemnation, but let us love them as God loves them. This does not mean you agree with anything they believe, just love them the way God loves you and them. Let His love flow through you.
I would like to share a link to another blog and their wonderful post on identity and then my theme song.
Enjoy
Post by Malcolmsmusings

My Mixed-Up Identity

I’m Not Lisa Lyrics/Jessi Colter/Produced by Waylon Jennings and Ken Mansfield 1975
[Chorus]
I’m not Lisa
My name is Julie
Lisa left you years ago
My eyes are not blue
But mine won’t leave you
‘Til the sunlight has touched your face
[Verse]
She was your morning light
Her smile told of no night
Your love for her grew
With each rising sun
And then one winter day
His hand led hers away
She left you here
Drowning in your tears
Here, where you’ve stayed for years
Crying Lisa, Lisa
[Chorus]
I’m not Lisa
My name is Julie
Lisa left you years ago
My eyes are not blue
But mine won’t leave you
‘Til the sunlight shines through your face
[Outro]
I’m not Lisa

I Won’t Back Down

I just came across a new version of the Tom Petty song, ‘I won’t back down’. It was so beautifully sung, but it reminded me of the original song. Thankfully they did not change one word, but as they sang the song the lyrics reminded me of my relationship with Christ Jesus and our Heavenly Father. How no matter how difficult and even painful life in this world can be, I cannot back down. I must stand my ground, firmly planted on The Rock. It’s lyrics are straight to the point, and for me it means that no matter what this world may throw at you, don’t back down. Stay true to God and stand firm on HIS Word. He won’t let you down.

I Won’t Back Down Lyrics / Tom Petty 1989
[Verse 1]
Well, I won’t back down
No, I won’t back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won’t back down
No, I’ll stand my ground (Ephesians 6:12-14 New English Translation 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 13 For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness,)

Won’t be turned around
And I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down (HE won’t let this world drag us away, He holds us tight and won’t let go of us.)
Gonna stand my ground
And I won’t back down

[Chorus]
I won’t back down
Hey baby, there ain’t no easy way out (It is not a path without trials, tribulations, and persecution when we follow Christ)
I won’t back down
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won’t back down

[Verse 2]
Well I know what’s right
I got just one life (With Jesus we have an eternal life if you choose to believe and follow HIM.)
In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around (the world persecutes us for our faith in Jesus)
But I’ll stand my ground
And I won’t back down

[Chorus]
I won’t back down
Hey baby, there ain’t no easy way out
I won’t back down
Hey, I will stand my ground
(I won’t back down)
And I won’t back down

[Instrumental Break]

[Chorus]
I won’t back down
Hey baby, there ain’t no easy way out
I won’t back down
Hey, I won’t back down
I won’t back down
Hey baby, there ain’t no easy way out
I won’t back down
Hey, I will stand my ground
(I won’t back down)
And I won’t back down
(I won’t back down)
No, I won’t back down

Here are both versions, the original and the one I listened to today. I hope you enjoy listening.

Total Eclipse Of The Heart

With the solar eclipse happening today I thought that this would be a good song to share. Listening to the lyrics made me think about how you have two people singing. Every time I heard the verse ‘Turn around’ it was like Jesus was speaking to us. He wants us to turn around and come back to Him. As the singer is singing about how she feels, like life has passed her by and she feels lonely and how she needs him. This part of the song speaks to me on how desperately we need Jesus and how we can only be right if we are with Him. When she says that he’s never coming ’round, you immediately hear the other singer sing ‘turn around’. So it is not that He isn’t there, it is up to her to turn around and He is there. Then when she sees him she know it will be okay. I could go on about how the lyrics speak to me, which I know was not the song writers message in this song, so I will end with this; We can all at one time or another feel our own eclipse of the heart for our own reasons, but no matter what we are going through or how we are feeling, Jesus will never leave you. HE is always there, you just need to turn around.

I hope you will enjoy this song.

Total Eclipse of the Heart/Bonnie Tyler: Lyrics
[Verse 1]
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit lonely
And you’re never coming ’round
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit tired
Of listening to the sound of my tears
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit nervous
That the best of all the years have gone by
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified
And then I see the look in your eyes

[Refrain]
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart

[Verse 2]
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit restless
And I dream of something wild
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit helpless
And I’m lying like a child in your arms
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit angry
And I know I’ve got to get out and cry
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified
But then I see the look in your eyes
[Refrain]
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart

[Chorus]
And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you only hold me tight
We’ll be holding on forever
And we’ll only be making it right
‘Cause we’ll never be wrong
Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time (All of the time)
I don’t know what to do and I’m always in the dark
We’re living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight

[Post-Chorus]
Once upon a time I was falling in love
Now I’m only falling apart
There’s nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there’s only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart
[Instrumental Interlude]
(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around, bright eyes)

[Verse 3]
(Turn around)
Every now and then
I know you’ll never be the boy
You always wanted to be
(Turn around)
But every now and then
I know you’ll always be the only boy
Who wanted me the way that I am
(Turn around)
Every now and then
I know there’s no one in the universe
As magical and wondrous as you
(Turn around)
Every now and then
I know there’s nothing any better
There’s nothing that I just wouldn’t do

[Refrain]
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
[Chorus]
And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you only hold me tight
We’ll be holding on forever
And we’ll only be making it right
‘Cause we’ll never be wrong
Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time (all of the time)
I don’t know what to do
I’m always in the dark
Living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight
(Forever’s gonna start tonight)

[Post-Chorus]
Once upon a time I was falling in love
Now I’m only falling apart
There’s nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there’s only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart
A total eclipse of the heart
A total eclipse of the heart

[Outro]
(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around)

Ain’t no sunshine

It has been over 2,000 years since Jesus left this earth to prepare a new place for us who receive Him as Lord and Savior. So we have been waiting for His return for quite a while. When you are waiting for something you need or want it is easy to become discouraged. Life looks bleak and you can feel hopeless. Thinking about this I thought of this song and changed some of the lyrics. Without Jesus there is no light, there is no hope just darkness and despair. The hope I have is because I know Jesus is coming back to take us to HIS home. I don’t know when but HE will. even when I cannot see the sunshine because the sky is dark and grey, I know one day people will see HIM returning in the sky to take HIS people home. The other good news is HE gave us HIS Spirit and He never leaves us or forsakes us.

Bill Withers “Ain’t No Sunshine”

original lyrics lyrics when I think of Jesus
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone Ain’t no sunshine when HE’s gone
It’s not warm when she’s away It’s not warm when He’s away
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone Ain’t no sunshine when HE’s gone
And she’s always gone too long And HE’s been gone for so long
Anytime she goes away I need HIM everyday

Wonder this time where she’s gone I know where HE’s gone
Wonder if she’s gone to stay And HE’ll be back for me one day
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone Ain’t no sunshine when HE’s gone

And this house just ain’t no home And this earth is not my home
Anytime she goes away Waiting for HIM to take me away

And I know, I know, I know, I know And I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
I know, I know I know, I know

Hey, I oughtta leave young thing alone HE didn’t leave me alone
But ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone But ain’t no sunshine when HE’s gone
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone Ain’t no sunshine when HE’s gone
Only darkness every day Only darkness everyday

Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone Ain’t no sunshine when HE’s gone
And this house just ain’t no home And this earth is not my home
Anytime she goes away Waiting for HIM to take me away
Anytime she goes away Take me away
Anytime she goes away Take me away
Anytime she goes away To HIS home one day

Wednesday’s Child song and lyrics

Wednesday’s child is a child of woe
Wednesday’s child cries alone, I know
When you smiled, just for me you smiled
For awhile I forgot I was Wednesday’s child

Friday’s child wins at love, they say
In your arms Friday was my day
Now you’re gone, well I should have known
I am Wednesday’s child, born to be alone

Now you’re gone, well I should have known
I am Wednesday’s child, born to be alone

Wednesday’s child, born to be alone

I am thankful to be a child of God, and because HE is always with me I am never truly alone.

Tuesday’s Gone song and lyrics by Hank Williams Jr.

“Tuesday’s Gone”
(originally by Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Train roll on, on down the line,
Won’t you please take me far away?
Now I feel the wind blow outside my door,
Means I’m leaving my woman at home.
Tuesday’s gone with the wind.
My baby’s gone with the wind.

And I don’t know where I’m going.
I just want to be left alone.
Well, when this train ends I’ll try again,
But I’m leaving my woman at home.

Tuesday’s gone with the wind.
Tuesday’s gone with the wind.
Tuesday’s gone with the wind.
My baby’s gone with the wind.

Train roll on many miles from my home,
See, I’m riding my blues away.
Tuesday, you see, she had to be free
But somehow I’ve got to carry on.

Tuesday’s gone with the wind.
Tuesday’s gone with the wind.
Tuesday’s gone with the wind.
My baby’s gone with the wind.

Song and Lyrics/I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash

Today was clear and sunny so this fits in more than one way. First the weather was beautiful and it was so nice to see a clear sky and the sun shining. The lyrics of this song also speak to me about how God is working in my life. My life’s storms have not yet passed but I know God will see me through and I am seeing more clearly today than yesterday and will continue to become even clearer. I am in pain today but all the pain I feel will be gone. All of the bad feelings left by the abuse that I lived through will be gone. Every day in His kingdom will be bright, clear, and we will be in the presence of The SON, who is the Light of the world.

I Can See Clearly Now Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun shiny day
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun shiny day

[Verse 2]
I think I can make it now the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for
It’s gonna be a bright (Bright), bright sun shiny day

[Bridge]
Look all around, there’s nothing but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothing but blue skies

[Verse 3]
I can see clearly now; the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun shiny day
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun shiny day

I Won’t Last A Day Without You Song by The Carpenters

As I listened to the words of this song I could not help but relate the lyrics to my life with God. The title of the song alone says it all, ‘I won’t last a day without you’. This is so very true. It does not mean I have had an easy problem free life, it is actually quite the opposite, but I would not still be here today if God did love me. He has been with me before I even knew who HE is. He sent His Son Jesus to save us and give to anyone who receives Him eternal life. So no matter who bleak and dark this world can be we have hope because the Light of Jesus overcomes the darkness, and we have life in Him. So this song is right, I can’t last a say without Him. I am thankful that He is and will always be here for us.

Lyrics;

[Intro]
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh

[Verse 1]
Day after day
I must face a world of strangers
Where I don’t belong
I’m not that strong
It’s nice to know that there’s someone I can turn to
Who will always care
You’re always there

[Chorus]
When there’s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won’t come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But, I won’t last a day without you

[Verse 2]
So many times when the city seems to be without
A friendly face, a lonely place
It’s nice to know that you’ll be there if I need you
And you’ll always smile, it’s all worthwhile

[Chorus]
When there’s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won’t come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But, I won’t last a day without you

[Bridge]
Touch me and I end up singing
Trouble seems to up and disappear
You touch me with the love you’re bringing
I can’t really lose when you’re near (When you’re near, my love)

[Verse 3]
If all my friends have forgotten half their promises
They’re not unkind, just hard to find
One look at you and I know that I could learn to live
Without the rest, I’ve found the best

[Chorus]
When there’s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won’t come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But, I won’t last a day without you
When there’s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won’t come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But, I won’t last a day without you
(Won’t last a day without you, without you)

Answer to, ‘What do you see 2/18/2024?’

Here are a couple of responses I received regarding my post, ‘What Do You See? 2/18/2024?’

The day I took these photos, I was out behind my apartment when a large shadow came over me. I turned around because I thought someone had come up behind me and was the source of the shadow. Trying to figure out where the shadow was coming from I looked up to see the direction of the sun and see what was causing the shadow. That is when I saw what I captured in these photos. I had to take three photos to capture all that I was seeing.

The shadow on the ground matched what looks like the blue shape of an angel. Then I saw the face behind it which reminds me of the face of Jesus. It was like God Himself was telling me that He has His angels watching over me. It gave me a comforting feeling.

I am still looking forward to hearing what you see when you look at these photos.

Song to encourage you; ‘ooh Child’ by the Five Stair Steps

There are songs that were not for praise and worship that still make me think of God. When I listen to the words of this song, I like to think God is singing to me of better days to come.

Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get brighter

[Chorus]
Some day, yeah
We’ll get it together and we’ll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We’ll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter

[Verse 2]
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna be easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get be brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna be easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get be brighter

[Chorus]
Some day, yeah
We’ll get it together and we’ll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We’ll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter
Some day, yeah
We’ll get it together and we’ll get it all done
Some day
When your head is much lighter
Some day, yeah
We’ll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Some day
When the world is much brighter

[Outro]
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get brighter
Ooh-oo child
Things are gonna get easier
Ooh-oo child
Things’ll get brighter
Right now, right now
(You just wait and see how things are gonna be)

Will you listen to this song as if God was singing to you?