Hello fellow wanderers! I’m currently on a brief holiday blogging vacation, so to celebrate the end of 2013, I’ll be counting down (up?) my top 6 posts of the year. If you missed my #6 post of 2013, check out “As Tom Daley Comes Out.”

Coming in at #5 was May 22’s post, “Tenth Avenue North Songs: TMZ’s Top-11 Favorites.” That’s right; a countdown WITHIN a countdown. INCEPTION.

Tenth Avenue North is among my most favorite bands, and counting down their songs was such a delight. Check out this excerpt below, and click over for my complete Tenth Avenue North countdown.

And check back soon for my #4 post of the year!

#11 -“Strong Enough to Save” (The Light Meets the Dark)

If there exists One who orchestrates the wind and waves, why not also a Calmer for our stormy lives?

Favorite lyric: I know the weight of this world can take you down like gravity. I know the current of yourself can take you out — out to sea.

#10 – “Any Other Way” (The Light Meets the Dark)

This song breathes a sincere plea spoken with the voice of Christ. It’s a plea to come — just as you are. All of you.

Favorite lyric: I want to know who you are even if you’re falling apart. Reach in and touch your scars and all the shame you’ve kept in your heart.

#9 – “Break Me Down” (Over and Underneath)

When I was with YouthWorks in Milwaukee two summers ago, we literally had one mix CD constantly playing in the kitchen on repeat. This particular song was one of several Tenth Avenue North songs on the CD. I smile every time I hear it, because I’m immediately transported back to a chaotic kitchen of sticky macaroni pots and inflamed burgers.

Favorite lyric: Take me, break me, set me free.

#8 – “Healing Begins” (The Light Meets the Dark)

It’s one thing for light and dark to gradually meet over the course of 12 cyclic hours; it’s quite another to witness the dramatic transformation in one supernatural moment.

Favorite lyric: When you come to where you’re broken within, the light meets the dark.