Saw this on my friend Brigitte's blog. It sure gets ya thinking...
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Spain, here I come!
It's official! I'm going to be in Barcelona, Spain in less than 2 months for 10 days! Can't wait!!!
I've got to get my Spanish up and going again! Good thing I'm enrolled in a Spanish class this semester. It's kicking my butt so far, but it'll be worth it when I get there and can (hopefully) be able to communicate a bit!!
I've got to get my Spanish up and going again! Good thing I'm enrolled in a Spanish class this semester. It's kicking my butt so far, but it'll be worth it when I get there and can (hopefully) be able to communicate a bit!!
Breakfast at Tiffany's
I watched "Breakfast at Tiffany's" last week when I was sick and I REALLY disliked it! Am I the only one who dislikes this "classic" movie?
Couldn't the guy end up with a woman that has a little consistency and a head on her shoulders? Couldn't the main characters do something of WORTH in this movie? What was the point? This movie was not what I was expecting at all-- definitely a big disappointment, considering it has a reputation of being this great, classic old movie!
Well, it's not ending up in my book of classic movies.
Am I crazy or something? Are there any others who go against the grain when it comes to this movie?
The only thing I liked in the entire movie was the fact that Moon River was played in it...
Couldn't the guy end up with a woman that has a little consistency and a head on her shoulders? Couldn't the main characters do something of WORTH in this movie? What was the point? This movie was not what I was expecting at all-- definitely a big disappointment, considering it has a reputation of being this great, classic old movie!
Well, it's not ending up in my book of classic movies.
Am I crazy or something? Are there any others who go against the grain when it comes to this movie?
The only thing I liked in the entire movie was the fact that Moon River was played in it...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Exciting!
Ok, I have a cool God story to share. I started to get sick (again) Sunday afternoon, and by Sunday night I didn't have a voice at all. I barely had a voice yesterday or today, and I had a wicked cough and sore throat. I found out in late December that I was chosen to play in the finals of the ISU Concerto Competition. Those finals were held tonight at 7 p.m. I haven't really been able to practice my piece much at all in the past 2 weeks, as I was very sick the last 8 days of break and into the first 3-4 days of classes last week.
It came down to whether I was going to try and make it through my piece tonight or just not even attempt. During a run-through/dress rehearsal yesterday, I had a coughing fit in the middle of the crazy hard end section of the piece, so I was sort of nervous that would happen again tonight. I had an extra stand out there with me that had my handy dandy water bottle on it- (which I ended up using quite a bit during my rests). I had been praying yesterday and today that God would give me energy and strength during my performance tonight to be able to not just get through it, but to really just have a good time. God answered my prayers! There were 10 of us competing for just 3 spots, and I just checked my email to find out I was one of them! God gave me the grace and endurance to perform well even though my circumstances would have proven otherwise.
I'm going to be soloing Weber's "Clarinet Concerto N.2 Mvt. 3" with the ISU orchestra on March 28th (the day after my birthday!). I'm so excited! PTL!
It came down to whether I was going to try and make it through my piece tonight or just not even attempt. During a run-through/dress rehearsal yesterday, I had a coughing fit in the middle of the crazy hard end section of the piece, so I was sort of nervous that would happen again tonight. I had an extra stand out there with me that had my handy dandy water bottle on it- (which I ended up using quite a bit during my rests). I had been praying yesterday and today that God would give me energy and strength during my performance tonight to be able to not just get through it, but to really just have a good time. God answered my prayers! There were 10 of us competing for just 3 spots, and I just checked my email to find out I was one of them! God gave me the grace and endurance to perform well even though my circumstances would have proven otherwise.
I'm going to be soloing Weber's "Clarinet Concerto N.2 Mvt. 3" with the ISU orchestra on March 28th (the day after my birthday!). I'm so excited! PTL!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Top January Songs
Here is my belated songs for January.
Enjoy!
1. Alabaster Box- Cece Winans
2. Amazing, Because It Is- The Almost
3. I'm Coming Your Way- Jared Anderson
4. Worth It All- Rita Springer
5. God and Nature- David Arnold (from "Amazing Grace")
6. I Know You Know- Punch Brothers
7. For the Beauty of the Earth- Barlowgirl
8. Waiting for My Real Life to Begin- Colin Hay
9. Dream- Priscilla Ahn
10. Time Takes Its Toll on Us- Bebo Norman
11. Lost + (w/Jay Z)- Coldplay
12. Orange Sky- Alexi Murdoch
13. Sing Sing Sing- Chris Tomlin
14. Times- Tenth Avenue North
15. Winter Song- Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson
16. Holiness- Sonicflood
17. Ruby Park- Stallions Versus Unicorns
18. Divine Inspiration- John Reuben
19. Wishes- Superchick
20. Make Us One- Cindy Morgan
Enjoy!
1. Alabaster Box- Cece Winans
2. Amazing, Because It Is- The Almost
3. I'm Coming Your Way- Jared Anderson
4. Worth It All- Rita Springer
5. God and Nature- David Arnold (from "Amazing Grace")
6. I Know You Know- Punch Brothers
7. For the Beauty of the Earth- Barlowgirl
8. Waiting for My Real Life to Begin- Colin Hay
9. Dream- Priscilla Ahn
10. Time Takes Its Toll on Us- Bebo Norman
11. Lost + (w/Jay Z)- Coldplay
12. Orange Sky- Alexi Murdoch
13. Sing Sing Sing- Chris Tomlin
14. Times- Tenth Avenue North
15. Winter Song- Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson
16. Holiness- Sonicflood
17. Ruby Park- Stallions Versus Unicorns
18. Divine Inspiration- John Reuben
19. Wishes- Superchick
20. Make Us One- Cindy Morgan
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Priceless
Favorite moment of American Idol season 8 so far:
Ryan Seacrest giving a high five to a blind contestant.
Priceless.
Ryan Seacrest giving a high five to a blind contestant.
Priceless.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Falling Slowly
I love this song. And I love the movie it's from: "Once".
I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You'll make it now
Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along
I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You'll make it now
Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won
Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had a choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along
Monday, January 12, 2009
Back in Swing
School is back in swing. Woo-hoo. (Yah, there was a bit/lot of sarcasm in that woo-hoo.) I am feeling pretty darn overwhelmed at the moment, mostly because I have been very sick the past 9 days or so. My stomach flu, bronchitis and pink eye came during my procrastinator's "catch-up time" I had scheduled into the end of my break. Books did not get sold or bought, memorizing my piece for the concerto competition did not happen, organizing the room didn't happen, etc. BUT it was such a hard, yet great time for me. The sickness and pain was horrible, but there's nothing like being practically bed-ridden for a week to make you thankful for life and the health & opportunities God provides us. God knew I needed that reminder more than I needed to practice or sell my books. God always knows best-- it's almost comical to me to think how much I struggle with believing such a simple truth! I am so human.
Thank you Oswald Chambers for today's "Utmost For His Highest" devotional:
"Jesus doesn’t take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them. The lives of others are examples for us, but God requires us to examine our own souls. It is slow work— so slow that it takes God all of time and eternity to make a man or woman conform to His purpose. We can only be used by God after we allow Him to show us the deep, hidden areas of our own character. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! We don’t even recognize the envy, laziness, or pride within us when we see it. But Jesus will reveal to us everything we have held within ourselves before His grace began to work. How many of us have learned to look inwardly with courage?
We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves. That is always the last bit of pride to go. The only One who understands us is God. The greatest curse in our spiritual life is pride. If we have ever had a glimpse of what we are like in the sight of God, we will never say, "Oh, I’m so unworthy." We will understand that this goes without saying. But as long as there is any doubt that we are unworthy, God will continue to close us in until He gets us alone. Whenever there is any element of pride or conceit remaining, Jesus can’t teach us anything. He will allow us to experience heartbreak or the disappointment we feel when our intellectual pride is wounded. He will reveal numerous misplaced affections or desires— things over which we never thought He would have to get us alone. Many things are shown to us, often without effect. But when God gets us alone over them, they will be clear."
Thank you Oswald Chambers for today's "Utmost For His Highest" devotional:
"Jesus doesn’t take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them. The lives of others are examples for us, but God requires us to examine our own souls. It is slow work— so slow that it takes God all of time and eternity to make a man or woman conform to His purpose. We can only be used by God after we allow Him to show us the deep, hidden areas of our own character. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! We don’t even recognize the envy, laziness, or pride within us when we see it. But Jesus will reveal to us everything we have held within ourselves before His grace began to work. How many of us have learned to look inwardly with courage?
We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves. That is always the last bit of pride to go. The only One who understands us is God. The greatest curse in our spiritual life is pride. If we have ever had a glimpse of what we are like in the sight of God, we will never say, "Oh, I’m so unworthy." We will understand that this goes without saying. But as long as there is any doubt that we are unworthy, God will continue to close us in until He gets us alone. Whenever there is any element of pride or conceit remaining, Jesus can’t teach us anything. He will allow us to experience heartbreak or the disappointment we feel when our intellectual pride is wounded. He will reveal numerous misplaced affections or desires— things over which we never thought He would have to get us alone. Many things are shown to us, often without effect. But when God gets us alone over them, they will be clear."
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Summary of my 2008 in Songs
Before I do my top songs for January, I thought it only fitting to make a summary of my 2008 with songs that highlighted memories or helped me through tough spells.
1. Far Far- Yael Naim
2. So Close- Jon McLaughlin
3. See You Again- Miley Cyrus
*Neva Hibbing & Rebekah Hanson introduced me to this song in the spring. It became a Renovation Women pillar in our year-long-bonding of crazy randomness.
4. Valley of the Shadow- Thomas Newman (From "Little Women")
*I saw this movie for the first time last year and it made me cry more than any movie I've ever seen. Last year was also the year I learned how to cry-- so that was a big deal for me. For a girl that grew up on Ninja Turtles, Pokemon and Power Rangers, I certainly came into contact with my feminine side sufficiently through having watched this movie at least 5 times since the first. This song will always have a special place in my heart.
5. Over the Rainbow- Jason Castro
*Jason Castro was my favorite American Idol contestant during the 2008 season. Lets face it, he wasn't the most experienced or most talented by any means, but it was his personality and his style that caught my eye. It's not often that we have a more "folk"-centered and chill-styled contestant. He beat the odds and made it to the top 4! This is by far my favorite song that he did-- I listen to it all the time!
6. No Air- Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown
*Thank you Neva and Rebekah for this song too! This became the SONG of the three of us. Especially Rebekah and I. If either of us would hear it on the radio, we'd have to call the other and serenade them with it.
7. I Had My Reasons- The Great Upset
*When Jeromy and The Great Upset came and played at Zeke's during Ragbrai, I fell in love with this group and bought their CD. This song has incredible emotion and depth to it that I love and respect so much in the songs that Jeromy writes. I have really come to cherish this song- especially before or after taking communion. It's such a clear reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made.
8. S.O.S.- Jonas Brothers
*Lifegroup song, what can I say? This was a favorite jamming-out-in-the-car-together song.
9. Kingdom of Love- Shani
*From the movie "One Night With the King". This is a mood-lifter. Definitely reminds me of weddings and joy.
10. Hymn- Brooke Fraser
*I discovered this artist-- she's wonderful and this was my favorite song off her album "Albertine". It's a real, genuine, raw song. I appreciate that.
11. This is Me- Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas
*Lifegroup song. This is from a Disney premiere movie, "Camp Rock".
12. Lost- Coldplay
*I have this song in about 5 versions, from acoustic to featuring different artists as well. This song gave me hope when I felt very alone and it also inspired me musically to write a few songs.
13. Love Story- Taylor Swift
*Amber introduced this song to me (I hugely dislike country music, so it took some effort on her part!) because of a line in it that reminded her of my dad and I. "Little did I know that you were Romeo; you were throwing pebbles and my daddy said "Stay away from Juliet"." Funny thing is, she was right on! I was hooked once I realized that. Just this song though.... not country music as a whole... haha
14. While I'm Waiting- The Blessing
*I was introduced to this song when I saw the movie "Fireproof". (Great movie, by the way.) This song could accurately describe my September-December of 2008, as I've been painfully trusting and waiting in an area of my life.
15. Alabaster Box- Cece Winans
*For any who went to Andy Gray's seminar at Faithwalkers entitled "Falling Slowly", this is the song he referred to. This song has been rocking my world since Faithwalkers-- so it was only in my life for the last few days of 2008, but in that short time, it did wonders.
16. By Your Side- Tenth Avenue North
*Wow, these guys encouraged me so much the last 3 months of 2008. Seeing them in concert was so amazing-- this song pumps truth into my system when I desperately need it.
17. Sun Down- Iver
*This is a Julie Johnson gem. We listened to this multiple times on our camping trip during the late summer. LOVE IT!
18. Wedding Dress- Derek Webb
*Another great concert I went to in 2008. His music has the same effect on me that Tenth Avenue North does. I appreciate that Derek is not afraid of being raw, genuine and REAL. I can relate to his struggles quite often.
19. You are on Our Side- Bethany Dillon
*Another Julie song gem. Bethany captures the love of Christ so clearly. This song and the following song are the two I think I have played more in 2008 than any other. They have encouraged me more than I even know.
20. Could I- Kim McMechan
*This song has comforted my tears so many times. If I had to pick just ONE song to summarize my 2008, this would be it.
1. Far Far- Yael Naim
2. So Close- Jon McLaughlin
3. See You Again- Miley Cyrus
*Neva Hibbing & Rebekah Hanson introduced me to this song in the spring. It became a Renovation Women pillar in our year-long-bonding of crazy randomness.
4. Valley of the Shadow- Thomas Newman (From "Little Women")
*I saw this movie for the first time last year and it made me cry more than any movie I've ever seen. Last year was also the year I learned how to cry-- so that was a big deal for me. For a girl that grew up on Ninja Turtles, Pokemon and Power Rangers, I certainly came into contact with my feminine side sufficiently through having watched this movie at least 5 times since the first. This song will always have a special place in my heart.
5. Over the Rainbow- Jason Castro
*Jason Castro was my favorite American Idol contestant during the 2008 season. Lets face it, he wasn't the most experienced or most talented by any means, but it was his personality and his style that caught my eye. It's not often that we have a more "folk"-centered and chill-styled contestant. He beat the odds and made it to the top 4! This is by far my favorite song that he did-- I listen to it all the time!
6. No Air- Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown
*Thank you Neva and Rebekah for this song too! This became the SONG of the three of us. Especially Rebekah and I. If either of us would hear it on the radio, we'd have to call the other and serenade them with it.
7. I Had My Reasons- The Great Upset
*When Jeromy and The Great Upset came and played at Zeke's during Ragbrai, I fell in love with this group and bought their CD. This song has incredible emotion and depth to it that I love and respect so much in the songs that Jeromy writes. I have really come to cherish this song- especially before or after taking communion. It's such a clear reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made.
8. S.O.S.- Jonas Brothers
*Lifegroup song, what can I say? This was a favorite jamming-out-in-the-car-together song.
9. Kingdom of Love- Shani
*From the movie "One Night With the King". This is a mood-lifter. Definitely reminds me of weddings and joy.
10. Hymn- Brooke Fraser
*I discovered this artist-- she's wonderful and this was my favorite song off her album "Albertine". It's a real, genuine, raw song. I appreciate that.
11. This is Me- Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas
*Lifegroup song. This is from a Disney premiere movie, "Camp Rock".
12. Lost- Coldplay
*I have this song in about 5 versions, from acoustic to featuring different artists as well. This song gave me hope when I felt very alone and it also inspired me musically to write a few songs.
13. Love Story- Taylor Swift
*Amber introduced this song to me (I hugely dislike country music, so it took some effort on her part!) because of a line in it that reminded her of my dad and I. "Little did I know that you were Romeo; you were throwing pebbles and my daddy said "Stay away from Juliet"." Funny thing is, she was right on! I was hooked once I realized that. Just this song though.... not country music as a whole... haha
14. While I'm Waiting- The Blessing
*I was introduced to this song when I saw the movie "Fireproof". (Great movie, by the way.) This song could accurately describe my September-December of 2008, as I've been painfully trusting and waiting in an area of my life.
15. Alabaster Box- Cece Winans
*For any who went to Andy Gray's seminar at Faithwalkers entitled "Falling Slowly", this is the song he referred to. This song has been rocking my world since Faithwalkers-- so it was only in my life for the last few days of 2008, but in that short time, it did wonders.
16. By Your Side- Tenth Avenue North
*Wow, these guys encouraged me so much the last 3 months of 2008. Seeing them in concert was so amazing-- this song pumps truth into my system when I desperately need it.
17. Sun Down- Iver
*This is a Julie Johnson gem. We listened to this multiple times on our camping trip during the late summer. LOVE IT!
18. Wedding Dress- Derek Webb
*Another great concert I went to in 2008. His music has the same effect on me that Tenth Avenue North does. I appreciate that Derek is not afraid of being raw, genuine and REAL. I can relate to his struggles quite often.
19. You are on Our Side- Bethany Dillon
*Another Julie song gem. Bethany captures the love of Christ so clearly. This song and the following song are the two I think I have played more in 2008 than any other. They have encouraged me more than I even know.
20. Could I- Kim McMechan
*This song has comforted my tears so many times. If I had to pick just ONE song to summarize my 2008, this would be it.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A Photo Journal of Christmas Break
Break was kicked off with my dear friend and sister, Rachel Bovenmyer becoming Rachel White! I was priviledged to be in her wedding party and get to spend the day getting ready and spending time with the beautiful bride and wedding party!
Christmas was a quiet day spent with immediate family. My dear friend Daphne, who goes to Drake University in DSM, spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with us, which was wonderful! :)
Santa even decided to stop by and say HEY on Christmas Eve before starting his route. O and here's a picture of the tag off a present Marc gave to himself on Christmas morning. It's just too wonderful not to share.
My family headed off to Faithwalkers on the 27th. This conference is always a time of refreshing teaching, worship and fellowship. Not to mention that car ride there AND back were quite the entertainment. Here are some highlights of the 4-day experience:
Little B Marc got baptized!!!
Renovation Team @ Faithwalkers
News Years was kicked off at Jacob Moss's house- complete with fireworks, lots of food and lots of random toasting to the New Year.
Christmas was a quiet day spent with immediate family. My dear friend Daphne, who goes to Drake University in DSM, spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with us, which was wonderful! :)
Santa even decided to stop by and say HEY on Christmas Eve before starting his route. O and here's a picture of the tag off a present Marc gave to himself on Christmas morning. It's just too wonderful not to share.
My family headed off to Faithwalkers on the 27th. This conference is always a time of refreshing teaching, worship and fellowship. Not to mention that car ride there AND back were quite the entertainment. Here are some highlights of the 4-day experience:
Little B Marc got baptized!!!
Renovation Team @ Faithwalkers
News Years was kicked off at Jacob Moss's house- complete with fireworks, lots of food and lots of random toasting to the New Year.
