Unrestrained is one of my favorite worship songs of all time. Written by Calvin Nowell and Tony Sutherland, Unrestrained first came to my attention through the version sung by American Idol Season Five finalist Mandisa on her debut CD, True Beauty. It turns out that there is more than one recording of this track. Aside from studio recordings from both songwriters, Unrestrained has also been recorded by Myron Butler & Levi, a gospel group.

I’ve only heard Mandisa’s and Myron Butler and Levi’s versions of Unrestrained, and both are soaring in their own rights. (I’ve been dying to get a copy of the version by the incomparable Calvin Nowell, which I’ve heard only in snippets on his official website, as well as on videos posted on YouTube. Any kind Christian out there, please help me!)

I tell you: Unrestrained will minister to you. It is an anointed song of the first order. I have never been so passionate about any song prior to this one, and it will be one of my personal worship songs for the rest of my life, without a doubt. If you don’t believe me, give it a listen to both versions of Unrestrained for yourselves.

Unrestrained by Myron Butler & Levi

Unrestrained by Mandisa

Two days ago, Cathy and I bought a Saint Bernard balloon dog from Hobbes and Landes at TriNoma. Cathy’s been wanting one for quite some time, and I knew that getting her one would make her extremely happy. Nathan is also quite a big fan of balloons, so this purchase - while potentially extravagant, because each of these balloon animals costs close to PHP500 each - offers so much joy to my wife and son that it would be worth it.

The way Cathy reacted when she bought it was absolutely priceless; Nathan’s reaction was similarly incredulous. As we walked through the mall with Duke - that’s the name we gave him; the initial name was Baron - at least six people asked us where we bought it. This dog is an attention grabber, I can tell you!

There are around eleven more balloon pets, including a terrier, a pug, a cat, a duck, a pig, even a T-Rex. LOL Hobbes and Landes. Go buy yourself a pet.