One. Two. Three. Four.
One two three, FOUR FIVE. One two three, FOUR FIVE.
We all want a stable, steady, predictable life. If I had my way, God would be handing me His little calendar/planner book and I would know everything. But that's not how this world works. We run into surprises, little bumps, and cannot prepare for it all.
One. Two. Three. Four.
ONE TWO THREE One two, ONE TWO THREE One two.
Syncopation. Rhythm with unpredictable turns.
Sometimes my life is in 4/4 time, steady. Sometimes life is in a pattern of 3/4, like a waltz. It just dances by.
But sometimes? Life is harsh and unsteady, in 5/4 time.
God always resolves it though. Eventually life does calm down, and we can tap our feet to His rhythm.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Give it Up...For Him
I'm a control freak. Maybe that's an understatement. Ok, it is 100% an understatement. If it were up to me, I would know everything and would take care of the world by myself.
But no, I am a flawed human being. The fact that I even want to be in complete control shows my flaws.
Someone else is better fitted for that job.
He's the one I need to give it up to.
It's all in HIS hands. Why do I feel the need to be in control? Why do I think MY plans would be better? No no no, Alexandra Anne. Trust in Him. Depend on Him, not yourself.
"Be still and know that I am God..."
"Peace, be still..."
"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say again, rejoice!"
But no, I am a flawed human being. The fact that I even want to be in complete control shows my flaws.
Someone else is better fitted for that job.
He's the one I need to give it up to.
It's all in HIS hands. Why do I feel the need to be in control? Why do I think MY plans would be better? No no no, Alexandra Anne. Trust in Him. Depend on Him, not yourself.
"Be still and know that I am God..."
"Peace, be still..."
"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say again, rejoice!"
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Like A Child
"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." - 1 Peter 2:1-3
I read this verse back in my first read through of 1 Peter; lately I have been lacking in scripture study and meditation, so tonight when I had time to myself I started to flip through my Bible. Oh how I love rereading scripture and gleaning new insight every time! It is also oh so neat to see where I have underlined before, and seeing the little notes I scribbled by the passage, making a connection to my own life.
This passage in particular reminds me of when I have been on a "spiritual high" so to speak, and how I want to crave God daily and act on that. I don't want it to be an "every now and then" kind of thing; I want to always be seeking Him and growing in Him! Also, in addition to "growing up in my salvation," I really just need to grow up in general. (Sometimes God likes to throw little jabs at me....yeah, I hear you...working on it!)
I'm a sucker for a good analogy or imagery, and this verse sits so well with me.
I've wanted for quite some time now to have faith like a child, and crave pure spiritual milk.
I read this verse back in my first read through of 1 Peter; lately I have been lacking in scripture study and meditation, so tonight when I had time to myself I started to flip through my Bible. Oh how I love rereading scripture and gleaning new insight every time! It is also oh so neat to see where I have underlined before, and seeing the little notes I scribbled by the passage, making a connection to my own life.
This passage in particular reminds me of when I have been on a "spiritual high" so to speak, and how I want to crave God daily and act on that. I don't want it to be an "every now and then" kind of thing; I want to always be seeking Him and growing in Him! Also, in addition to "growing up in my salvation," I really just need to grow up in general. (Sometimes God likes to throw little jabs at me....yeah, I hear you...working on it!)
I'm a sucker for a good analogy or imagery, and this verse sits so well with me.
I've wanted for quite some time now to have faith like a child, and crave pure spiritual milk.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Top 10 Tuesday - iPod/iTunes
So, I got this idea from My Life As... and since I am a total copycat, I have no shame in doing this too. She posted about her top 10 playlist on her ipod. So I thought, hey, I have a top 25 list, why not see what my top 10 are? I wasn't too surprised at the list; I tend to get into certain "music moods" (there isn't really a better way to describe it) and will listen to the same stuff over and over and over again. I used to be the "girl who doesn't like change" and ok, I probably still am, but I'm working on that; makes sense that I would listen to the same things obsessively right? Therefore, here is my list. Let's go:
1. Take on Me by a-ha ~ I am completely fine admitting that I LOVE 80's music. This is one of those songs that will cause me to dance like a dork; never mind the fact that it's Walmart or a street in California...yeah, the location does not stop my grooving. I like to think I live up to that quote "Dance like nobody's watching" because that is SO me. I often have been caught dancing in my room, when my father would walk in and I would freeze...."Ahem....um...You didn't just see that. No, of course not." Sigh. But yes, this song is definitely a dancer.
2. The One That Got Away by Katy Perry ~ I remember the first time I heard this song, I really loved it. Then when it started playing on the radio, I always got very excited and said "OH I LOVE THIS SONG!!" It's so sweet. "I was June and you were my Johnny Cash..." I love it. Also, whenever I sing to it, I start thinking of people I need to tell "I love you, I appreciate you." Seriously. Life is short. I want everyone in my life to know I love them!
3. Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars ~ Yes, I melt like a schoolgirl every time I hear this. It's so cute to hear my little siblings (ages 8 and 6) sing this song with me. Also fun? To sing this to your best friend in the middle of a store; yes, she will be embarrassed, but you will make her feel awesome at the same time.
4. Going for a Ride by David Newman ~ This is from the soundtrack for the movie Serenity. (BEST MOVIE EVER!!!) Considering I travel so much lately, this song is appropriate. Too bad I can't fly around on a spaceship all day, that would be awesome.
5. Love by David Newman ~ Also from the Serenity soundtrack. "Love keeps her in the air when she oughta fall down." Such beautiful music.
6. Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root~ Apparently my traveling translates into the music I listen to...but I DO travel a lot! This song is good for walking, reading, just kind of chill and zen. And if you know me, it takes a lot to make this hyper child even close to being zen.
7. Am I Not Human? by Two Steps From Hell ~ My boyfriend got me into this group; do you love orchestral wonderfulness? How about electronic music? What happens when you blend the two? What I love about this group is they have a myriad of genres/sounds, and each song is different. This one is fun because I can "air-conduct" to it, like a total dork of course.
8. Serenity by David Newman ~ So apparently I am obsessed with this music...this is the movie's main theme. In love with it.
9. Prep for Flight by David Newman ~ Reallllllly obsessed? Good heavens, Alexandra Anne!
10. Highwayman by Johnny Cash ~ I love Johnny Cash, but actually this song doesn't sound like his others. It has a sort of new agey feel, like one going on a journey.
I wonder what will be on my top 10 by next week?
1. Take on Me by a-ha ~ I am completely fine admitting that I LOVE 80's music. This is one of those songs that will cause me to dance like a dork; never mind the fact that it's Walmart or a street in California...yeah, the location does not stop my grooving. I like to think I live up to that quote "Dance like nobody's watching" because that is SO me. I often have been caught dancing in my room, when my father would walk in and I would freeze...."Ahem....um...You didn't just see that. No, of course not." Sigh. But yes, this song is definitely a dancer.
2. The One That Got Away by Katy Perry ~ I remember the first time I heard this song, I really loved it. Then when it started playing on the radio, I always got very excited and said "OH I LOVE THIS SONG!!" It's so sweet. "I was June and you were my Johnny Cash..." I love it. Also, whenever I sing to it, I start thinking of people I need to tell "I love you, I appreciate you." Seriously. Life is short. I want everyone in my life to know I love them!
3. Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars ~ Yes, I melt like a schoolgirl every time I hear this. It's so cute to hear my little siblings (ages 8 and 6) sing this song with me. Also fun? To sing this to your best friend in the middle of a store; yes, she will be embarrassed, but you will make her feel awesome at the same time.
4. Going for a Ride by David Newman ~ This is from the soundtrack for the movie Serenity. (BEST MOVIE EVER!!!) Considering I travel so much lately, this song is appropriate. Too bad I can't fly around on a spaceship all day, that would be awesome.
5. Love by David Newman ~ Also from the Serenity soundtrack. "Love keeps her in the air when she oughta fall down." Such beautiful music.
6. Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root~ Apparently my traveling translates into the music I listen to...but I DO travel a lot! This song is good for walking, reading, just kind of chill and zen. And if you know me, it takes a lot to make this hyper child even close to being zen.
7. Am I Not Human? by Two Steps From Hell ~ My boyfriend got me into this group; do you love orchestral wonderfulness? How about electronic music? What happens when you blend the two? What I love about this group is they have a myriad of genres/sounds, and each song is different. This one is fun because I can "air-conduct" to it, like a total dork of course.
8. Serenity by David Newman ~ So apparently I am obsessed with this music...this is the movie's main theme. In love with it.
9. Prep for Flight by David Newman ~ Reallllllly obsessed? Good heavens, Alexandra Anne!
10. Highwayman by Johnny Cash ~ I love Johnny Cash, but actually this song doesn't sound like his others. It has a sort of new agey feel, like one going on a journey.
I wonder what will be on my top 10 by next week?
Monday, February 20, 2012
Water for this Soul
God is truly amazing.
I'm on such a unique journey and can't express gratitude enough!
I'm on such a unique journey and can't express gratitude enough!
Today's journey involved lots of caffeine and bottled water, and music. Good day!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Noble, Precious, Strong, Wise
This is the woman I look up to; I don't know if marriage is in God's will for me, but I do aspire to be like the wife of noble character. (Isn't it great? We get a guidebook, the Bible, on what a noble wife should be like!)
She is worth far more than rubies. More than rubies! How precious!
Her husband has full confidence in her... Full confidence.
She is like merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. Like merchant ships; not afraid to venture out of a comfort zone!
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family... I can remember a few times of staying up late to finish cooking; what a wife, if she gets up from sleeping to provide said food!
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is thrifty and resourceful. She isn't just a stay at home mom, she makes a profit and business deals too! She seems to be the perfect example of "a working mom."
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Strong...oh how I long to be strong like this.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.... Again with the business skills; she is not wasting a moment!
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy... Ministry and giving...
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Strength and dignity. (For what man knows his future? So who can tell him what is to come?) I love her, she can laugh at the days to come. What ease and trust (in God!).
She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. I value the wisdom in my married friends and my own mother.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. If only we could say we don't eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her... Blessed! Praised. Loved.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; Oh if only we could appreciate our youth, and be honest and real.
But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Fear. Praise.
Honor her for all that her hands have done... Honor the hard work she has done.
And let her works bring her praise at the city gate." She isn't just known in her household, her works receive praise from the edge of her city!
What a woman to aspire to!
What does this passage say to you?
Join me in linking up with Barbie at My Freshly Brewed Sundays.
Proverbs 31:10-31
"A wife of noble character, who can find? Noble...in today's society it is so difficult to find noble character...She is worth far more than rubies. More than rubies! How precious!
Her husband has full confidence in her... Full confidence.
She is like merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. Like merchant ships; not afraid to venture out of a comfort zone!
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family... I can remember a few times of staying up late to finish cooking; what a wife, if she gets up from sleeping to provide said food!
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She is thrifty and resourceful. She isn't just a stay at home mom, she makes a profit and business deals too! She seems to be the perfect example of "a working mom."
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Strong...oh how I long to be strong like this.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.... Again with the business skills; she is not wasting a moment!
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy... Ministry and giving...
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Strength and dignity. (For what man knows his future? So who can tell him what is to come?) I love her, she can laugh at the days to come. What ease and trust (in God!).
She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. I value the wisdom in my married friends and my own mother.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. If only we could say we don't eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her... Blessed! Praised. Loved.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; Oh if only we could appreciate our youth, and be honest and real.
But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Fear. Praise.
Honor her for all that her hands have done... Honor the hard work she has done.
And let her works bring her praise at the city gate." She isn't just known in her household, her works receive praise from the edge of her city!
What a woman to aspire to!
What does this passage say to you?
Join me in linking up with Barbie at My Freshly Brewed Sundays.
And I've Never Been to Boston in the Fall....
Guess where I went today? Yes, I auditioned at Boston Conservatory this morning! (Or, BoCo, as the locals like to refer to it)
I love how every audition is a different experience, and I learn new things. Today? I learned to audition at 9:20am while being sick. (I apologize to anyone I hugged or shook hands with today...yeah, that wasn't smart...) But yes, I sounded like I had been hanging with Louis, and singing "Zat you, Santy Clause?" with my dark, scratchy resonance. Oh that wasn't the only thing resonating; when I sang high notes (and today high came as quickly as a C above middle C...) my pitch/hearing was so distorted and painful. But hey, I managed. I sang my little heart out, and showed that sickness cannot stop passion and joy.
After my audition I got to meet up with two friends (we met/worked together last summer in Arezzo, Italy!) for coffee, sitting in on a rehearsal, and a tour of the school and city. I loved it all! (Below is a picture of Pavement, the coolest coffee joint around; Excellent coffee and muffins!)
In just a few days I will be flying again to Baltimore to audition at Peabody Conservatory. What adventures shall occur in that oh so familiar town?
Friday, February 17, 2012
Looking to His Future
Today I'm linking up with the Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday. Here, we write for five minutes, non stop, no editing.
Today's word is: Delight.
Ready? Set? Write!
"Surely I have a delightful inheritance." Isn't that wonderful? That verse is the first thing I think of when I hear the word "delight." That leads me to think "store up treasures in heaven."
Sometimes when I think of heaven and the future, I feel so very small. But when I read that verse, I get giddy inside; I have a God who loves me and is waiting for me! I'm a child of His! How delightful, truly!
He delights in me. I am His.
True joy comes from Him; I find I am at my happiest in life when I am focused on Him and praising Him. Thankfulness truly brings joy and delight. I can say this from experience, and cannot wait to learn more about this.
And I delight in the Lord. He brings me peace and healing.
But this year specifically? He brings me hope. I am trusting in Him, that He has my future written, and I can hope for my dreams.
To God be the glory!
STOP.
What does the word "delight" mean for you?
Today's word is: Delight.
Ready? Set? Write!
"Surely I have a delightful inheritance." Isn't that wonderful? That verse is the first thing I think of when I hear the word "delight." That leads me to think "store up treasures in heaven."
Sometimes when I think of heaven and the future, I feel so very small. But when I read that verse, I get giddy inside; I have a God who loves me and is waiting for me! I'm a child of His! How delightful, truly!
He delights in me. I am His.
True joy comes from Him; I find I am at my happiest in life when I am focused on Him and praising Him. Thankfulness truly brings joy and delight. I can say this from experience, and cannot wait to learn more about this.
And I delight in the Lord. He brings me peace and healing.
But this year specifically? He brings me hope. I am trusting in Him, that He has my future written, and I can hope for my dreams.
To God be the glory!
STOP.
What does the word "delight" mean for you?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Love Love Love
This picture is currently my laptop's background (I change the picture every month or so, whenever I feel like it really). One, I love memories with loved ones. Two, this verse has been on my heart today. Here is what this verse says to me:
Beloved...we ARE beloved children of Christ! How awesome?!
Let us love one another... this can be so hard sometimes. But ultimately, the core of this faith is about love. God's love for us; our imperfect love for Him; etc etc etc.
For love is from God...see? God is love, and love is FROM Him. Why do we feel the need to get love from superficial places? Oh right, because we're flawed human beings...God is the best source for true love!
Whoever loves has been born of God... I like to think that I can be a light and a witness to others through my love. When I love someone, it is with my WHOLE heart. I don't do any of that partial loving business. No, I'm in it for keeps.
This verse is on my heart today; what does it say to you?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Orders and Change; It's About to Come
I'm a big date person. Date as in, counting down to a birthday, remembering anniversaries of important events, etc. I like to record it all and remember as much as possible. Well, today is February 15, 2012. This date is huge for me: a year ago today we received orders (the paperwork for deployments and such, for we military folk) to leave for Italy.
Let me give you a little bit of the story here as it is kind of complicated and drawn out. I first KNEW that Italy was an option back in September of 2010. My parents made the decision to accept that job within the week. We assumed we would leave by November, seeing as how the proposed job would start then. Well, funny thing about the U.S. military; they take their precious time and will control your life. So we didn't end up leaving until February. Our lives were put on hold for months and months, waiting for orders. (The orders would give us a week's notice, by the way, so we couldn't commit to hardly anything). I couldn't be in an opera, I was making plans with teachers as to how I would complete assignments from across the ocean, etc. It was a stressful "in limbo" kind of time for us. Never mind the fact that I actually didn't WANT to go to Italy.
Oh yes, Alexandra Anne was very upset about this fact. (I must have sounded so spoiled...I really do apologize for that) I felt that going to Italy for a year (which is how long we were supposed to be over there, originally) would quite possibly ruin my life and friendships and dreams and oh my goodness can you say drama queen? In my mind, I had legitimate reasons why I didn't think it was a good thing. I cried so much over it...in hindsight I can look back and honestly laugh at myself. Foolish girl. But it was part of the process.
So February came around, and we still didn't have orders. Every time we thought we were closer, we would find there were more hoops to jump through. It was ridiculous! But come that Tuesday on February 15th.... "Hey. We got orders." RUSH TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My life then became a busy blur of packing and making flight arrangements, and I honestly don't remember that week very well. Then that Saturday, February 20, 2011, we hopped on a plane (or two or three, rather) and headed off on a wonderful adventure that ended up changing my life. Maybe someday I'll write about how 2011 as a whole changed my life; Alexandra Anne had a lot of growing up to do.
So happy anniversary orders. We're almost to the anniversary of meeting Italy. What memories shall be sparked then I wonder? I wonder...
Let me give you a little bit of the story here as it is kind of complicated and drawn out. I first KNEW that Italy was an option back in September of 2010. My parents made the decision to accept that job within the week. We assumed we would leave by November, seeing as how the proposed job would start then. Well, funny thing about the U.S. military; they take their precious time and will control your life. So we didn't end up leaving until February. Our lives were put on hold for months and months, waiting for orders. (The orders would give us a week's notice, by the way, so we couldn't commit to hardly anything). I couldn't be in an opera, I was making plans with teachers as to how I would complete assignments from across the ocean, etc. It was a stressful "in limbo" kind of time for us. Never mind the fact that I actually didn't WANT to go to Italy.
Oh yes, Alexandra Anne was very upset about this fact. (I must have sounded so spoiled...I really do apologize for that) I felt that going to Italy for a year (which is how long we were supposed to be over there, originally) would quite possibly ruin my life and friendships and dreams and oh my goodness can you say drama queen? In my mind, I had legitimate reasons why I didn't think it was a good thing. I cried so much over it...in hindsight I can look back and honestly laugh at myself. Foolish girl. But it was part of the process.
So February came around, and we still didn't have orders. Every time we thought we were closer, we would find there were more hoops to jump through. It was ridiculous! But come that Tuesday on February 15th.... "Hey. We got orders." RUSH TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My life then became a busy blur of packing and making flight arrangements, and I honestly don't remember that week very well. Then that Saturday, February 20, 2011, we hopped on a plane (or two or three, rather) and headed off on a wonderful adventure that ended up changing my life. Maybe someday I'll write about how 2011 as a whole changed my life; Alexandra Anne had a lot of growing up to do.
So happy anniversary orders. We're almost to the anniversary of meeting Italy. What memories shall be sparked then I wonder? I wonder...
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Rest
Today was Valentine's Day, and I truly had a wonderful day. In fact, it is so wonderful that I cannot write as much as I want, because I need to sleep.
But I am thanking God for safety, love, and a warm bed that I have all to myself.
Stories of today to come!
Peace,
Alexandra Anne
But I am thanking God for safety, love, and a warm bed that I have all to myself.
Stories of today to come!
Peace,
Alexandra Anne
Monday, February 13, 2012
Save Me, San Francisco
My Day in San Francisco/A Voice Major's Audition Day
I think I might be in love. But I don’t dare say that out loud. Call me superstitious, I swear I’m not. I just know what it’s like to hope for something and to then meet disappointment. But guess what? I am very happy! God gives me these emotions for a reason; I am supposed to enjoy meeting new cities! I am supposed to find joy in my music every day. So it’s okay to feel something! I just know to not be attached. Otherwise, it’s like watching Old Yeller for a second time. Who does that??
This morning I woke up at 8, and left my beautiful hotel (yes, it is historical, beautiful, and shiny) at 9am. I decided to grab some sort of fuel (read: starbucks cappuccino and an apple fritter) before venturing out into this new city. I followed my Google Maps directions like a little nerd, and found myself quite enjoying the architecture. Let me rephrase that, as it seems to be an understatement: I LOVE the buildings here! So, I arrive at the Conservatory around 9:30. Well, the nice security guards can’t even let me in because I’m so ridiculously early (we are supposed to arrive at 11:30…ok, so I like to be prepared; it’s a good problem to have!).
This means I have time to kill. What does Alexandra Anne do with that? I’m an adventurer, so of course I decide to walk around the city without any sort of plan as to where I am going (this is a skill I have had to develop over the last year; I used to be one of those people who plan every minute of movement, not that that’s a bad thing, but I learned that it’s ok to just “go with the flow” so to speak). I’m so glad I didn’t have a plan! I saw more beautiful architecture, and ran into a little café. Well, an apple fritter is hardly a decent meal on its own, so I figure more food is probably a good goal. Keep in mind, I didn’t plan my walk.
So what little café do I run into? Caffé Trieste. This name probably holds no significance for most people, but for me? Oh good heavens I HAD to go in! Why? Trieste is a city in Italy (that alone could be reason to go in, considering I lived in Italy for 6 months last year, but no, that wasn’t the only reason); a city that my parents went to on their honeymoon almost 20 years ago. They almost named me Trieste! As soon as I saw the café I knew I would be going in. And it looks like I might go back…
After I ate some decent breakfast I walked back to the Conservatory, now filled with many nervous musicians anxious to get their auditions over with. We took a tour of the school, a lovely tiny and wonderful building full of opportunities to grow so so much. Then, after the tour, I went in a little practice room to…practice…go figure right? After practicing, I sang, and am now back at the lovely Hotel Whitcomb.
Let me digress momentarily; this hotel is beautiful. I cannot express that enough. At some point I will attempt to take pictures of the lobby, but for now I will use my words as best as I can. Chandeliers, a man wearing a top hat who greets you, revolving doors to enter, eight floors (and when you get on your floor, you have at least three directions you can go in to get to your room), and very well dressed people. I think the chandeliers alone make this hotel worth it for me; but then again, not everyone is a chandelier fanatic (that’s a passion that began for me eight years ago when I lived in England; I would like to note that I liked chandeliers before chandeliers were “in” or what have you).
Trivia note: The plural of chandelier is actually…chandelier. Technically, when we say “chandeliers” we are incorrect. But then again, we are merely uncouth Americans sometimes, and the word IS French.
All in all, my day has been wonderful, and it’s only 3:30pm! Now I am headed off for another tour! I do quite love this city and the school.
Glory to God; so thankful that I have had another chance to sing and travel.
PS. It is now 5:20pm and I am back at the hotel. Grabbed some quick dinner (just a sandwich) and walked very quickly as it has gotten chilly and windy this evening! I plan on reading my night away, until I leave tomorrow morning.
It’s been fun San Francisco! Maybe we’ll meet again?
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Faith is...
1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
This is one of my favorite verses; God promises us so many wonderful things, all we have to do is have faith.
Faith is confidence, and faith is assurance. We're not going to see it, but we can be confident in it. This passage encourages me so very much. Especially while I am at a time in my life where there is much uncertainty. But I trust in God, and know that it is ok to hope for things! He has a plan; He will be glorified.
Today I am linking up with Barbie at Freshly Brewed Sundays.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Words of Wisdom
I have always had a relationship with words; I started reading when I was 2 years old.
Life is about journeys, and so is this poem. I thought it would be particularly appropriate for my life and my blog.
The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost
Life is about journeys, and so is this poem. I thought it would be particularly appropriate for my life and my blog.
The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost
| Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, | |
| And sorry I could not travel both | |
| And be one traveler, long I stood | |
| And looked down one as far as I could | |
| To where it bent in the undergrowth; | 5 |
| Then took the other, as just as fair, | |
| And having perhaps the better claim, | |
| Because it was grassy and wanted wear; | |
| Though as for that the passing there | |
| Had worn them really about the same, | 10 |
| And both that morning equally lay | |
| In leaves no step had trodden black. | |
| Oh, I kept the first for another day! | |
| Yet knowing how way leads on to way, | |
| I doubted if I should ever come back. | 15 |
| I shall be telling this with a sigh | |
| Somewhere ages and ages hence: | |
| Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— | |
| I took the one less traveled by, | |
| And that has made all the difference. |
Friday, February 10, 2012
LA, Life, and Love
Whew!
Obviously, I have been very busy and haven't been blogging as well as I should (actually, there are several things I am behind on; working on it!). So let me briefly catch you up on my life:
Last weekend I went to LA and loved it! I auditioned at University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. When my audition was done I walked around the campus and the city, and even saw Venice Beach!
This weekend I am heading to San Francisco (and yes, it IS a bit crazy to hit two different California cities within a week, after coming home in between the visits), to audition at San Francisco Conservatory. I do plan on finding a trolley and singing like Judy Garland....
In my downtime I am trying to balance faith, school, family, and friends. Oh yeah, and that little thing we call "recreational reading." I'm reading so much! Trying to prioritize the school reading of course, but sometimes this ADD gal can't always do that. Sometimes I will study with several books in front of me at once and literally go back and forth between different books because I cannot focus on one at a time. Tis crazy!
Confession: I have not been journaling my gift counting. Nor have I been actively reading scripture as much as I should or even would like. Praying for a better focus. I hate admitting defeat, and I'm going to not give in or give up.
As for love; Valentine's day is in four days. Life is good. I won't gush via blog, I will merely say: God has a plan and sometimes we just have to see what He will do with us and not understand it right away! But He DOES have a plan. It is a wonderful plan.
Here are some pictures from Los Angeles:
Obviously, I have been very busy and haven't been blogging as well as I should (actually, there are several things I am behind on; working on it!). So let me briefly catch you up on my life:
Last weekend I went to LA and loved it! I auditioned at University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. When my audition was done I walked around the campus and the city, and even saw Venice Beach!
This weekend I am heading to San Francisco (and yes, it IS a bit crazy to hit two different California cities within a week, after coming home in between the visits), to audition at San Francisco Conservatory. I do plan on finding a trolley and singing like Judy Garland....
In my downtime I am trying to balance faith, school, family, and friends. Oh yeah, and that little thing we call "recreational reading." I'm reading so much! Trying to prioritize the school reading of course, but sometimes this ADD gal can't always do that. Sometimes I will study with several books in front of me at once and literally go back and forth between different books because I cannot focus on one at a time. Tis crazy!
Confession: I have not been journaling my gift counting. Nor have I been actively reading scripture as much as I should or even would like. Praying for a better focus. I hate admitting defeat, and I'm going to not give in or give up.
As for love; Valentine's day is in four days. Life is good. I won't gush via blog, I will merely say: God has a plan and sometimes we just have to see what He will do with us and not understand it right away! But He DOES have a plan. It is a wonderful plan.
Here are some pictures from Los Angeles:
All you need to travel: Clothes, music, laptop, money, and most importantly for me, water!
USC! I had a lovely day just walking around all morning, so warm and beautiful.
Venice Beach!! (I wish I had taken more pictures, but was too busy taking it all in!)
Keep in mind, these pictures came from my phone ;)
More posts soon!
<3
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Whoops....
Lessons learned today:
* Don't be a procrastinator; "Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?" -Ecclesiastes 8:7
* Music truly is my life and that is exciting!!! Tomorrow I leave for Los Angeles, and cannot wait to experience a new place!
* All you need is love.
* Couscous can be yummy!
* I miss my Dad.
* Music brings tears of all emotions, and I don't cry easily.
* God puts the right people in my life at just the right time!
* God is forgiving, and loving. I will be ok.
Let's embark on another journey!!!!! The journey keeps going!!!
* Don't be a procrastinator; "Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?" -Ecclesiastes 8:7
* Music truly is my life and that is exciting!!! Tomorrow I leave for Los Angeles, and cannot wait to experience a new place!
* All you need is love.
* Couscous can be yummy!
* I miss my Dad.
* Music brings tears of all emotions, and I don't cry easily.
* God puts the right people in my life at just the right time!
* God is forgiving, and loving. I will be ok.
Let's embark on another journey!!!!! The journey keeps going!!!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Let's Work [This] Out
Music is my passion. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this a few times.
Sometimes, I just want to give up.
Sometimes I feel like the two year old whining to God and just pouting when I don't get my way.
Sometimes? I'm a word I don't like to say......
Today; music helped me get over a big hurdle. I was exercising and did NOT want to finish. I wanted to, quite honestly, wimp out. I needed some upbeat music to keep me going...to keep me from counting the minutes and miles...so I pulled out my worship playlist on my iPod. Guess what? It was STILL hard. But I KEPT pushing. And I had a good conversation with God too. It was the music that led my focus back to Him. I can't fully express what the songs did for me, but I can share the music I listened to:
Glory To God Forever- Fee
Psalm 73 (My God's Enough)- BarlowGirl
The Change Inside of Me- MercyMe
Let Go- BarlowGirl
Dive- Steven Curtis Chapman
This Is Your Time- Michael W. Smith
Something Beautiful- Newsboys
House of Mirrors- Tenth Avenue North
Take Me Away- BarlowGirl
That last one? I needed God to take me away tonight. I became overwhelmed by the world, and really didn't care for it. So I locked myself away with scripture and literature. Words brought me back to God. Words calmed my soul.
Thank you, Lord, for the peace you do give.
Thank you for healing and grace.
Thank you for love and hope.
Sometimes, I just want to give up.
Sometimes I feel like the two year old whining to God and just pouting when I don't get my way.
Sometimes? I'm a word I don't like to say......
Today; music helped me get over a big hurdle. I was exercising and did NOT want to finish. I wanted to, quite honestly, wimp out. I needed some upbeat music to keep me going...to keep me from counting the minutes and miles...so I pulled out my worship playlist on my iPod. Guess what? It was STILL hard. But I KEPT pushing. And I had a good conversation with God too. It was the music that led my focus back to Him. I can't fully express what the songs did for me, but I can share the music I listened to:
Glory To God Forever- Fee
Psalm 73 (My God's Enough)- BarlowGirl
The Change Inside of Me- MercyMe
Let Go- BarlowGirl
Dive- Steven Curtis Chapman
This Is Your Time- Michael W. Smith
Something Beautiful- Newsboys
House of Mirrors- Tenth Avenue North
Take Me Away- BarlowGirl
That last one? I needed God to take me away tonight. I became overwhelmed by the world, and really didn't care for it. So I locked myself away with scripture and literature. Words brought me back to God. Words calmed my soul.
Thank you, Lord, for the peace you do give.
Thank you for healing and grace.
Thank you for love and hope.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)