Tag Archives: Christian

The Birth of Christ

It’s a fast moving life and no one stops to look
To see in everything, how much Christ partook.
The love for His children, shown through His birth
To live amongst sinners and become lowly on the earth.
Into a hopeless generation our heavenly king was born
So we may enter heaven’s gate, so we could be reborn.
A strong love for His people, even when they turn away
A desire to bring back those who have gone astray.
So on the twenty-fifth of December, we celebrate His life
We give thanks to Him who has taken away our strife.
This joy that surrounds us should be for His glory
As we come together and celebrate His story.
Sweet Jesus was born just so I could live
Hung upon a cross, so His kingdom He could give.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord, for a love so divine
and for allowing His love, through others to shine.
Through His grace He forgives and calls us by name
To tell of His great love, to wipe away our shame.
Find out why these days we spend with family
What the true meaning of Christmas means to thee.
There’s a deeper meaning than gifts from the store
“Maybe, just maybe Christmas means a little bit more.”
Be blessed for what you have so generously received
and come to really questions what’s always been believed.
Love the Lord through your life and return what He gave
Love for you, His child, praise God, for you He was born to save.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

December 17, 2003

Age 16

Riley Clemmons and Lauren Alaina Team Up For “Over and Over” Collab!

Twenty-year-old, Christian artist, Riley Clemmons has teamed up with Country artist, Lauren Alaina to release a new edition of “Over and Over.” The new collab comes after the “Broken Prayers” singer has released a home video for the single.

“Over and Over” has the makings of becoming a cross over song. To a Christian listener, the lyrics are apparent she’s talking to God about choosing her over and over, no matter how many times she messes up. Clemmons sings:

Staring at a Mountain
Thought I had already Climbed
The Weight of my Mistakes
Hold me down like I’m Paralyzed
How many Times
Have I asked for Grace
Standing in the same Broken Place
I’ve given You Every good Reason
To Walk Away

But somehow You Choose me
Over and Over Again
Over and Over Again
You keep Running to me
No matter where I am

“Over and Over” can also be applied to various situations. A parent, a partner, a friend. Alaina is the perfect fit, as she is also very vocal about her faith being a big part of her life.

In a previous interview with News Release Today, Clemmons spoke about the meaning behind the song.

This particular songwriting session was super special to me. I was talking with my label about writing this song. We discussed who I’d like to meet with to co-write it. I picked three of my favorite songwriters. I normally start a session talking about what’s going on in my life at that moment, taking that and finding a title and lyrics, based on that situation. For this song, I had been at church the day before. The pastor preached about what it means to recommit yourself to God every day. In a personal way, for me, that’s waking up every day and making the decision to choose God, over and over again. More so that I’m in awe of the fact that somehow I’ve been chosen to be a child of the God of the universe every single day, over and over again. Really, this song came from a place of just being in awe of God’s grace that doesn’t ask for anything back.

Take a listen to the collaboration below!

About Riley Clemmons:

Riley Clemmons is a 20-year-old pop singer/songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. Raised on southern gospel music and classic rock, Riley began singing at a young age. She was discovered by her manager Mitchell Solarek at age 13 and began attending writing sessions shortly after. At 16, Riley was signed to Capitol CMG and sky-rocketed onto the scene with her 2017 debut hit single “Broken Prayers,” which has amassed over 30M global streams since its release. Riley followed up the song with her self-titled debut album in August 2018, which debuted at No. 13 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart. In June 2019, she released her single “Fighting For Me,” which was one of only two female songs to reach Top 5 on the National Christian Audience radio chart in 2019, establishing Riley as a radio mainstay. Riley was then nominated for “New Artist of the Year” at the 2019 Dove Awards and named a feature performer. She also hosted the award shows’ official pre-telecast. An accomplished composer, performer, and recording artist, Riley is inspired by numerous genres, from classic artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Barbara Streisand to 2000s female pop vocalists Ariana Grande and Katy Perry. Her latest single “Over and Over” is out on all streaming platforms now.

Friendship’s Growth

Friendship’s Growth
Friendship’s end will never come
For those blessed, certainly some.
Those that never lose sight
Of friendship’s true light.
Those that try and care
And those who are always there.
Those who put others first
And stick it out for better or worse.
Friendship is built on love and upon it made strong
With a strong foundation, that love can last long.
For love grows in friendship and friendship grows in love
And both are made to last with the Father’s grace above.
So picture all your friends, all that love can you see?
How much you must have, for you have so much from me.
I thank you for you love and kindness, for being my friend
I’m thankful for our time together, that there is no end.
What a wonderful gift, God has chosen to give
That in the midst of our friendship, God can truly live.
Renewed and made strong and able to know
How our faith in God allows our friendship to grow.
I thank you for your hugs and for the time together we spend
I am most truly blessed that God has given me such a friend.
Be blessed this day and know how much I care
and how wonderful it is to always have you there.
I love you beyond this simple phrase
For your life, to Him I give the praise.
 
~ Jen Vargas
 

July 14, 2004

 
For Becky on her birthday. Age 15

Keep Holding On

Keep Holding On
You wake up every morning and it takes a little while
To forget about what’s going on, to put on your smile.
Your heart is heavy and your head confused
You do so much for others and then get used.
Sometimes you want to escape, make it all go away
But you find many reasons that lead you to stay.
The strength of your husband is only the start
Your children’s laughter, brings joy to your heart.
The way your kids want to cuddle and just have you around
The quiet of your children sleeping, the loveliest sound.
The way your BFF makes you laugh and gets all your jokes
The help you get with your kids by living near your folks.
The involvement of your church, worship with the band
Having a friend to pray with, who will always take your hand.
The support of your colleagues, the strength of your bond
The multitude of students, and of you they are so fond.
The joy of summer and not having to teach
The warmth of the sun while tanning at the beach.
Energy renewed after a good night’s sleep
Photos you’ve taken, memories you’ll keep.
Endurance gained while running the race
Puppies kisses as they lick your face.
The wonders of the world will never be as great
As the plans God has in store while in darkness you wait.
The hardships in your life are always on your mind
But your strength remains, for hope in God you find.
Although the storms seems huge, you know not what to do
Keep faith in what you believe, for God will pull you through.
When it seems as though you cannot bear any more,
Cast your worries on me, that’s what friends are for.
I will never desert you, I’ll stay by your side
I will never betray you, in me you can confide.
When words aren’t needed, I’ll put your hand in mine
Stay with you through the darkness, in morning, light will shine.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

May 31, 2009

For Christine M, who’s burdens I wish I could carry.

Child of Faith

Child of Faith
In this world of suffering and pain, you comfort and love,
Through hardships and heartbreaks I have your compassion from above.
In darkness and tears you are the arms that hold me tight,
Through sorrow and distress, you love with all your might.
You care so much and truly want what is best for me,
and when I am blinded it is you who helps me to see.
When no one else cares and I haven’t a friend on this earth,
It is your comfort that gets me through and shows me what I’m worth.
You know without asking, you love without reason,
You help me to grow and change with each season.
You lead me to the path and guide me by your hand,
When trouble comes my way, you carry me across the sand.
Never am I left alone with you right by my side,
Never am I lost, with you to be my guide.
When I need a friend, it is you who is always there,
Who will never desert me, you who will always care.
You know everything about me, you know my every thought,
You know what I need to learn and what I need to be taught.
My precious Lord you never disappoint and never fail,
To continually be amazing and your promise to never bail.
So thank you for everything you have graciously relented,
and for forgiving me every time I have repented.
So this day I want all to know how very much you do,
and how much you truly help Oh, I would be so lost without you!


~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas
 


2002

For my Heavenly Father. Age 15