"I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. But I was outside the Bagdad Theater in Portland one night when I saw a man playing the saxophone. I stood there for fifteen minutes, and he never opened his eyes.
After that I liked jazz music.
Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way."
-Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Finally, Friday
In just a few hours I will be able to go home! Nothing makes me feel more like royalty than visiting home after a month of being in school. I know that when I go inside of my house I will be able to smell candles that I know won't burn down the building and won't have to pay $2.50 to wash and dry a load of laundry. All weekend long I will eat home cooked meals of my choosing even though I honestly couldn't care less what I was served, as long as it wasn't fast food or a sandwich. When I want something to drink, I don't have to go through the thought process of wondering if it's worth it to wash a whole other cup but can simply place the dish wear into the dishwasher where it belongs. When it is time for me to go back to Auburn, I get in my car with clean laundry, clothes I keep forgetting, and a box or two of several items I would have had to buy at the grocery store if I hadn't left. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited.
Not only am I happy about going home, I'm just happy to be taking a break from class in general. For my studio classes I have to lug around a 30 pound portfolio across campus and back. Yesterday on the way back from my drawing class, the portfolio had apparently decided it had had enough and I was left practically dragging it for about a half mile. After I struggled to open the door to my dorm for a good 30 seconds, the kid standing two feet away decided to be kind and open the door for me. Hope it wasn't too big of an inconvenience for him. Once inside, I dropped off my portfolio in my room, went over notes for my science lab and ran out the door to get there in time. Thursdays are pretty hectic and my arm now feels like a soggy noodle.
Lately, a conversation I had with my friend Ethan has been on my mind. About a month ago, I walked out of my design class and saw a wizard standing outside. That's right, a wizard. He was wearing a cape and a pointy hat and I'm pretty sure I saw him recite a spell or two. For a week or so after this, the wizard sitings were beginning to become more and more popular. I saw several posts about it on Facebook along with a picture someone had taken of the wizard in the library. Well, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to tell you that I found out a little information about this mysterious wizard last night. He is apparently the model for the figure drawing class I have to take next year. I've always heard the models for these classes aren't exactly the most attractive people around so I guess the Auburn art department is trying to spice things up a little.
War Eagle to that.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
AUsome
For anyone who might be concerned, no, college has not killed me yet. I've just been either way too busy to write a blog post or haven't been busy at all but was too tired to come up with enough witty things to say to keep this interesting.
So far, my classes are either really difficult or just extremely boring. My drawing class is one of the classes that falls into the difficult category. I've taken art classes my entire life and have apparently taken the encouraging teachers I've had for granted. When my professor sees one thing he doesn't like about a drawing, you might as well just crumple up your paper into a little ball and start all over again. The other day, we were drawing a still life set up in the middle of the room. I was attempting to draw a bottle when he comes over to my desk, stops, and asks,
"You have two eyes, right?"
"......yes?"
"Well, I just don't understand why you are drawing that when the bottle clearly doesn't look that way."
OUCH! Needless to say, when he's making his rounds, stops, takes a good long stare at my drawing and then mutters the word "good," it takes almost everything that I have not to jump up from my desk and scream, "YES!!!!" I'm just waiting for someone in that class to burst into tears one day, seriously.
One thing that has taken some adjusting to has been living in such a small space. I know I am extremely lucky to live in the village but because I have my own room, it is about half the size of a room in the quad. If I throw pillows off my bed and leave a couple pairs of clothes out, I am literally climbing over a mountain of things just to get to my bed. My desk is almost non functional but that is mostly my fault. I am one of those kinds of people that live in organized clutter. However, I'm starting to think that I have no choice but to become super organized. I don't know how I'm going to make this change but I better do it quickly before people start wondering where I disappeared to after going into my room and never making my way back out.
I'm taking 16 hours of classes this semester but besides my design projects and art history reading, I normally don't have that much to do outside of class. I've started getting sort of involved with First Baptist Opelika and am planning to get a whole lot more involved once their local mission projects start up. The other day a few of my friends and I went hiking and then saw Lion King in 3D while the rest of campus was partying it up. Julie and I like to entertain ourselves by baking. We've baked everything from delicious red velvet cakeballs to oatmeal peanut butter banana cookies which were a made up recipe gone terribly wrong. Because the cookies turned out so horrifically, we decided we would make the whole thing into an experiment by putting them out on a plate in the lobby along with a sign that read, "free cookies." We took our seats by the door and waited. It was disappointing to watch the majority of the people walk right by the table and not even see the sign but when people did notice and said things like, "I would be terrified to eat any of those" or "OH COOKIES!......ew nevermind," it was almost impossible not to burst into uncontrollable laughter. After about an hour of this entertainment, we gave up on anyone ever actually trying one and went back to our room. Another hour later, we went back into the lobby and were shocked to see that every single cookie was gone from the plate! Not only that, but someone had replaced the cookies with 3 slices of week old frozen pizza. A fair trade, I suppose.
So far, my classes are either really difficult or just extremely boring. My drawing class is one of the classes that falls into the difficult category. I've taken art classes my entire life and have apparently taken the encouraging teachers I've had for granted. When my professor sees one thing he doesn't like about a drawing, you might as well just crumple up your paper into a little ball and start all over again. The other day, we were drawing a still life set up in the middle of the room. I was attempting to draw a bottle when he comes over to my desk, stops, and asks,
"You have two eyes, right?"
"......yes?"
"Well, I just don't understand why you are drawing that when the bottle clearly doesn't look that way."
OUCH! Needless to say, when he's making his rounds, stops, takes a good long stare at my drawing and then mutters the word "good," it takes almost everything that I have not to jump up from my desk and scream, "YES!!!!" I'm just waiting for someone in that class to burst into tears one day, seriously.
One thing that has taken some adjusting to has been living in such a small space. I know I am extremely lucky to live in the village but because I have my own room, it is about half the size of a room in the quad. If I throw pillows off my bed and leave a couple pairs of clothes out, I am literally climbing over a mountain of things just to get to my bed. My desk is almost non functional but that is mostly my fault. I am one of those kinds of people that live in organized clutter. However, I'm starting to think that I have no choice but to become super organized. I don't know how I'm going to make this change but I better do it quickly before people start wondering where I disappeared to after going into my room and never making my way back out.
I'm taking 16 hours of classes this semester but besides my design projects and art history reading, I normally don't have that much to do outside of class. I've started getting sort of involved with First Baptist Opelika and am planning to get a whole lot more involved once their local mission projects start up. The other day a few of my friends and I went hiking and then saw Lion King in 3D while the rest of campus was partying it up. Julie and I like to entertain ourselves by baking. We've baked everything from delicious red velvet cakeballs to oatmeal peanut butter banana cookies which were a made up recipe gone terribly wrong. Because the cookies turned out so horrifically, we decided we would make the whole thing into an experiment by putting them out on a plate in the lobby along with a sign that read, "free cookies." We took our seats by the door and waited. It was disappointing to watch the majority of the people walk right by the table and not even see the sign but when people did notice and said things like, "I would be terrified to eat any of those" or "OH COOKIES!......ew nevermind," it was almost impossible not to burst into uncontrollable laughter. After about an hour of this entertainment, we gave up on anyone ever actually trying one and went back to our room. Another hour later, we went back into the lobby and were shocked to see that every single cookie was gone from the plate! Not only that, but someone had replaced the cookies with 3 slices of week old frozen pizza. A fair trade, I suppose.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Not to us
"We are all starved for the glory of God, not self. No one goes to the Grand Canyon to increase self-esteem. Why do we go? Because there is greater healing for the soul in beholding splendor than there is in beholding self. Indeed, what could be more ludicrous in a vast and glorious universe like this than a human being, on the speck called earth, standing in front of a mirror trying to find significance in his own self-image? It is a great sadness that this is the gospel of the modern world."
- John Piper
- John Piper
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The unfortunate incident that occurred on my first day of school
So here's what happened.
7:45 A.M. I decide to set my alarm for this time. My first class doesn't start until 9:30 but since it was the first day of college, I didn't want anything to happen that might hinder me from getting to class on time. Especially my art history class. I've heard some things about the professor that really make me want to stay on her good side, including having a nice first impression. So after getting ready, eating breakfast and packing up my backpack, I have plenty of time to kill before making my way up to Biggin Hall.
9:05 A.M For those of you who are unfamiliar with Auburn's campus (I could very well be included in this group), Biggin Hall is right across from Toomer's Corner at the very outskirts of campus. It's about a 15 or 20 minute walk from where I live so I leave my dorm at 9:05 so I can find my class once I get to the building and get a good seat.
9:15 A.M. The main stretch of sidewalk to Biggin is at a gradual incline. While I am making my trek up this hill, I get a little bored so I decide to look over my schedule.
Art History----check
Biggin Hall----check
9:00 A.M - 9:50 A.M -----...........
I think I stopped breathing. At this point, all I can think of is the email my professor sent us about how if we aren't in her class on the first day, we will be dropped from the roll so those on the waiting list can take our spot.
Cue power walk.
The sidewalk is right next to the main road so I'm sure I got a few laughs as people driving by watched a distressed freshmen walk/run up a rather long stretch of hill.
9:20 A.M. I burst through the doors of the building and run down the stairs to where my classroom is. When I open the door, the lights are out. Good. Maybe class is cancelled. ....Of course not. A slideshow is up on the screen and a very small lady who looks like she fixed her hair by sticking her finger in a light socket is teaching. I awkwardly whisper sorry after about 50 heads turn my direction and take my seat.
I'm hoping this woman can't remember faces or just couldn't see me in the dark classroom. I might wear a hat Friday just to be sure.
7:45 A.M. I decide to set my alarm for this time. My first class doesn't start until 9:30 but since it was the first day of college, I didn't want anything to happen that might hinder me from getting to class on time. Especially my art history class. I've heard some things about the professor that really make me want to stay on her good side, including having a nice first impression. So after getting ready, eating breakfast and packing up my backpack, I have plenty of time to kill before making my way up to Biggin Hall.
9:05 A.M For those of you who are unfamiliar with Auburn's campus (I could very well be included in this group), Biggin Hall is right across from Toomer's Corner at the very outskirts of campus. It's about a 15 or 20 minute walk from where I live so I leave my dorm at 9:05 so I can find my class once I get to the building and get a good seat.
9:15 A.M. The main stretch of sidewalk to Biggin is at a gradual incline. While I am making my trek up this hill, I get a little bored so I decide to look over my schedule.
Art History----check
Biggin Hall----check
9:00 A.M - 9:50 A.M -----...........
I think I stopped breathing. At this point, all I can think of is the email my professor sent us about how if we aren't in her class on the first day, we will be dropped from the roll so those on the waiting list can take our spot.
Cue power walk.
The sidewalk is right next to the main road so I'm sure I got a few laughs as people driving by watched a distressed freshmen walk/run up a rather long stretch of hill.
9:20 A.M. I burst through the doors of the building and run down the stairs to where my classroom is. When I open the door, the lights are out. Good. Maybe class is cancelled. ....Of course not. A slideshow is up on the screen and a very small lady who looks like she fixed her hair by sticking her finger in a light socket is teaching. I awkwardly whisper sorry after about 50 heads turn my direction and take my seat.
I'm hoping this woman can't remember faces or just couldn't see me in the dark classroom. I might wear a hat Friday just to be sure.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Well, that was quick.
Oh man, the month of July has flown by. Back to back camp and family vacation have seriously sped up the summer clock. My last week of summer before moving to Auburn has been managed very well so far if I do say so myself. A couple of days ago, I took a road trip with my friends Emily and Lauren to surprise our friend Gina who moved to Memphis. We spent our time exploring downtown Collierville, taking plenty of pictures, learning how to play the ukelele, and of course singing along to spectacular music (Gina always has the best taste when it comes to music about Jesus).
On Sunday I made my final debut as a part of the youth group at Shades. I always thought this moment would be sad but it was actually more weird than anything. All the Auburn kids said their goodbyes but I really don't feel like it's hit us yet that we aren't coming back next week.
On that note, I am so so so so so excited about moving to Auburn on Saturday. My dorm room is separated into piles and bags spread out through the dining room. Seeing my soon to be bedding tied up in a garbage bag makes me more excited about decorating my new room every time I look at it. I have been checking Facebook (more times than I would care to admit) the past few days for pictures of friend's dorm rooms and fantasizing about what my own will be like. Yes, it may sound like I am more concerned about designing my room than going to college but that is not true.....it's just a pretty big part of it at the moment. I like to the think of it as the future designer in me flourishing.
On Sunday I made my final debut as a part of the youth group at Shades. I always thought this moment would be sad but it was actually more weird than anything. All the Auburn kids said their goodbyes but I really don't feel like it's hit us yet that we aren't coming back next week.
On that note, I am so so so so so excited about moving to Auburn on Saturday. My dorm room is separated into piles and bags spread out through the dining room. Seeing my soon to be bedding tied up in a garbage bag makes me more excited about decorating my new room every time I look at it. I have been checking Facebook (more times than I would care to admit) the past few days for pictures of friend's dorm rooms and fantasizing about what my own will be like. Yes, it may sound like I am more concerned about designing my room than going to college but that is not true.....it's just a pretty big part of it at the moment. I like to the think of it as the future designer in me flourishing.
Even though having a new place to live will be fun, it's going to be very weird not living at home anymore. I think it has finally hit my mom that I'm leaving. She bought my favorite food to have for dinner the next few nights and has covered every detail of the essential supplies I may need next year, including bandaids and a lint roller. My dad on the other hand, does not understand her thoroughness. The day he left for college, he walked halfway out his front door and shouted, "I'm leaving!" His sweet goodbye was returned by his mother as she yelled, "You'll be back!" from another room.
And that was that.
And that was that.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Today.
I've tried twice now to write about everything that has happened within the past few weeks. Somewhere between trying to explain the details in going to New York and college planning, things started getting a little out of hand and my quick blog post was quickly turning into a small novel. For this reason, I will spend time trying to organize things and for now will simply write about my day because I have not been a frequent blogger lately.
Today I spent my morning working on my grade's skit for summer camp. Though most groups don't plan their skits until the week of camp, I have come to learn that senior skit means serious business. We started working on it in April and have finally pulled most of it together. I cannot say anymore in fear of underclassmen or senior guys reading this (skit plans are always huge secrets).
After a lot of hard work, the majority of the people at skit practice ate lunch at Moe's. I got to try out the new drink machine there that allows you to mix all sorts of different flavors with coke products...it's one of those things that can change your opinion on the entire restaurant. My brother came home extremely excited about it a few weeks ago and claimed that he would eat there all the time now because of it. I tried the strawberry lemonade (safe but still taking advantage of the whole mixing flavors thing). After this I went home and played solitaire (my go to game when the boredom sets in) and then decided to entertain myself otherwise.
By this, I mean that I decided I wanted to perfect my sewing skills....or more like obtain the sewing skills that I don't have. I've sort of gotten this fantasy going on lately that when I grow up and have kids and grandkids, I want to be able to sew and knit all this awesome stuff for them. I couldn't just sit and sew in silence though so I turned on music which led to me practicing guitar for about five minutes which reminded me that I needed to buy more music to make my friend Mary a birthday CD. Needless to say, I didn't get much sewing accomplished...none actually.
Despite the lack of concentration in the afternoon, I was completely focused after dinner when my dad pointed out this awesome moth outside on the deck. I spent about 20 minutes taking pictures of it from every angle possible and came inside literally dripping sweat from the crazy Alabama humidity and had a few new mosquito bites but it was worth it. Call me crazy but I just absolutely love having a nice camera.
I've spent the majority of the night on itunes and have begun a Disney playlist after my recent obsession. I never realized how good it all was until I started a Tarzan Pandora station! Haha! On that note, I will end this with the best Disney song I've bought all day. Sorry about the blandness of this blog post....I will try to make it up with a more interesting one later!
Today I spent my morning working on my grade's skit for summer camp. Though most groups don't plan their skits until the week of camp, I have come to learn that senior skit means serious business. We started working on it in April and have finally pulled most of it together. I cannot say anymore in fear of underclassmen or senior guys reading this (skit plans are always huge secrets).
After a lot of hard work, the majority of the people at skit practice ate lunch at Moe's. I got to try out the new drink machine there that allows you to mix all sorts of different flavors with coke products...it's one of those things that can change your opinion on the entire restaurant. My brother came home extremely excited about it a few weeks ago and claimed that he would eat there all the time now because of it. I tried the strawberry lemonade (safe but still taking advantage of the whole mixing flavors thing). After this I went home and played solitaire (my go to game when the boredom sets in) and then decided to entertain myself otherwise.
By this, I mean that I decided I wanted to perfect my sewing skills....or more like obtain the sewing skills that I don't have. I've sort of gotten this fantasy going on lately that when I grow up and have kids and grandkids, I want to be able to sew and knit all this awesome stuff for them. I couldn't just sit and sew in silence though so I turned on music which led to me practicing guitar for about five minutes which reminded me that I needed to buy more music to make my friend Mary a birthday CD. Needless to say, I didn't get much sewing accomplished...none actually.
Despite the lack of concentration in the afternoon, I was completely focused after dinner when my dad pointed out this awesome moth outside on the deck. I spent about 20 minutes taking pictures of it from every angle possible and came inside literally dripping sweat from the crazy Alabama humidity and had a few new mosquito bites but it was worth it. Call me crazy but I just absolutely love having a nice camera.
I've spent the majority of the night on itunes and have begun a Disney playlist after my recent obsession. I never realized how good it all was until I started a Tarzan Pandora station! Haha! On that note, I will end this with the best Disney song I've bought all day. Sorry about the blandness of this blog post....I will try to make it up with a more interesting one later!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Picture Takin'
My camera finally came in!!! What better way to celebrate than to take random pictures!
In the depths of Your love I find peace makes me whole
On Wednesday night I faced one of my worst fears and did something I never though in a million years would be possible. I got to speak in front of a hundred or so 7-12 graders on Ephesians 3:14-21 and was hardly phased at all. A few years ago I could hardly get up and make a presentation in front of 15 or 20 people.....30 or more would have probably caused me to like, die or something. But for no special reason at all, I signed up to speak and was not afraid. Things were different this time for one reason alone.
The Holy Spirit was at work.
Thats right, there is absolutely no other way to explain it. Before I went up to speak, the worship band played a song that I had never heard before called I Love Your Presence. It was perfect. The lyrics were so simple and I felt this crazy rush of peace. Not only did I hear the perfect words at a time when my heart normally would have been racing but it was as if God was telling me that He was there and had everything under control. I even got to talk about how ridiculous it is for people to make excuses about how they are too scared to do something. You see the thing is, Jesus did not die on the cross and send us the very Spirit of God so we can just ignore it and live our lives like we are no different than everyone else. As Christians, we are called to something different. We are called to a life of no fear and believe that God can use us in ways that we never thought imaginable.
God is good, God is powerful, God is worthy of praise, and God is definitely worthy of our trust.
The Holy Spirit was at work.
Thats right, there is absolutely no other way to explain it. Before I went up to speak, the worship band played a song that I had never heard before called I Love Your Presence. It was perfect. The lyrics were so simple and I felt this crazy rush of peace. Not only did I hear the perfect words at a time when my heart normally would have been racing but it was as if God was telling me that He was there and had everything under control. I even got to talk about how ridiculous it is for people to make excuses about how they are too scared to do something. You see the thing is, Jesus did not die on the cross and send us the very Spirit of God so we can just ignore it and live our lives like we are no different than everyone else. As Christians, we are called to something different. We are called to a life of no fear and believe that God can use us in ways that we never thought imaginable.
God is good, God is powerful, God is worthy of praise, and God is definitely worthy of our trust.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Thoughts while sitting on the back porch
Any day now I will become the proud owner of a Nikon D3000. I am SO excited. I think getting this camera will be the start of something great and bring about some sort of new found love for photography. I'm planning on taking it everywhere with me. Or at least as many places as I can. Yesterday on the way home I looked up at the sky while I was driving (probably not the best idea) but the way the sun looked behind the clouds was so beautiful. I thought how if I had my camera right now I would pull over and take a picture of it. Yeah, I've basically been dreaming of these kind of moments nonstop since I ordered the camera.
On another note, I had to get shots today for college and such and can hardly move my arms which is great considering I sort of challenged myself to a basketball game with my friend Aaron tomorrow (again, not the best idea, even with arms that work). Yesterday I finally finished all of my thank you notes from graduation and will be attending the first night of Monday Night Bible Study for the summer tonight! It is looking to be the start of a fantastic week.
On another note, I had to get shots today for college and such and can hardly move my arms which is great considering I sort of challenged myself to a basketball game with my friend Aaron tomorrow (again, not the best idea, even with arms that work). Yesterday I finally finished all of my thank you notes from graduation and will be attending the first night of Monday Night Bible Study for the summer tonight! It is looking to be the start of a fantastic week.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Ode to Bangs
I must admit, things started off great
But the more I think about it, it is you I hate
I always thought after this haircut my life would be complete
Except I have a cowlick and that is not so neat
You curl and split apart, you must have your own way
Flat down to my head you just won't stay
It is quite bothersome and often annoying
Having to constantly blow dry and straighten you I am not enjoying
Maybe things would be different without the summer humidity and sun
But for now, fighting this battle is not so fun
I guess the risk I took was better late than never
But if you could grow out soon I would love you more than ever
But the more I think about it, it is you I hate
I always thought after this haircut my life would be complete
Except I have a cowlick and that is not so neat
You curl and split apart, you must have your own way
Flat down to my head you just won't stay
It is quite bothersome and often annoying
Having to constantly blow dry and straighten you I am not enjoying
Maybe things would be different without the summer humidity and sun
But for now, fighting this battle is not so fun
I guess the risk I took was better late than never
But if you could grow out soon I would love you more than ever
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Oh, hey.
Ok, I am ashamed. I thought with summer I would be blogging a lot more frequently. Unfortunately, I've somehow just either been too busy or not in the mood to write the past few weeks or however long it's been. Hopefully you guys have not given up on me.
My original intent had been to write about graduation and everything that had happened up to that point but soon that idea turned into a post about graduation and everything that has happened since then. Now it is just a random blog post about who knows what. Oops.
I guess I'll still write a little bit about graduation though since this is the only chance I'll ever have to do so (until college graduation at least, but that's different). Basically, I feel pretty much the same. Besides the thought of my future schedule at Auburn lingering in the back of my head, the few things I have purchased or have been given for my dorm room and the graduation cards that make me excited to check the mail every day, it still hasn't really seemed to hit me yet that I won't be going back to Spain Park next year. I wasn't sad at graduation and never thought I would be. I've been ready for a while now to meet new people and do new things! However, senior share night on New Wind is going to be a whole different story.
In other news, many other important things have happened since my last well thought through post. I have taken two senior trips to the beach, will be speaking in front of about 200 people at church a week from tomorrow (AHHH!), I have watched all four Pirates of the Caribbean movies over the past two days, am currently working with 4 and 5 year olds at VBS this week and a week ago attended my first funeral. It was for my digital photography teacher Mr. Myers and was absolutely nothing like I thought a funeral would be. It wasn't sad at all! I left the church amazed at how cheerful the music was and how packed the sanctuary had been. It's so crazy to think about what an impact Mr. Myers had on people while he was alive and how he still continues to inspire even through his death.
In closing, I will try to write more. I really will. Here are some pictures to make up for the blog posts I have not been writing (in order!).
Beach trip 1
Beach Trip 1
Graduation Sunday
Graduation
Adventure
Adventure
Beach Trip 2
Beach Trip 2 (War Eagle)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Love Through Me
there is plenty on this earth to suit our needs
but there will never ever be enough to satisfy our greed
weigh this heavy on me now until i can hardly breathe
love through me
i've never gone a day without a meal because i couldn't afford it
stood on a corner and begged for pennies, holding out a sign
call me blessed, but it sure does feel pathetic,
children ‘round the world are hungry now
so would i give up:
pillows and cable, clothing and candy,
if a boy could rest his tired bones?
would i lay down:
making all this money, just to have my milk and honey,
if my fellow man could get the chance to watch his children grow?
there is plenty on this earth to suit our needs
but there will never ever be enough to satisfy our greed
weigh this heavy on me now until i can hardly breathe
love through me
i feel in the right, self-justified giving coins away
but what about the time i consider mine not tomorrow but right now today?
clothe the naked; feed the hungry; welcome strangers
come on, get up and open your eyes
so would i give up:
pillows and cable, clothing and candy,
if a girl could have some more to eat?
would i lay down:
making all this money, just to have my milk and honey,
if my fellow man could get the chance to hear about the King?
there is plenty on this earth to suit our needs
but there will never ever be enough to satisfy our greed
weigh this heavy on me now until i can hardly breathe
love through me
help us see, our eyes are weak, help us please
love through me
but there will never ever be enough to satisfy our greed
weigh this heavy on me now until i can hardly breathe
love through me
i've never gone a day without a meal because i couldn't afford it
stood on a corner and begged for pennies, holding out a sign
call me blessed, but it sure does feel pathetic,
children ‘round the world are hungry now
so would i give up:
pillows and cable, clothing and candy,
if a boy could rest his tired bones?
would i lay down:
making all this money, just to have my milk and honey,
if my fellow man could get the chance to watch his children grow?
there is plenty on this earth to suit our needs
but there will never ever be enough to satisfy our greed
weigh this heavy on me now until i can hardly breathe
love through me
i feel in the right, self-justified giving coins away
but what about the time i consider mine not tomorrow but right now today?
clothe the naked; feed the hungry; welcome strangers
come on, get up and open your eyes
so would i give up:
pillows and cable, clothing and candy,
if a girl could have some more to eat?
would i lay down:
making all this money, just to have my milk and honey,
if my fellow man could get the chance to hear about the King?
there is plenty on this earth to suit our needs
but there will never ever be enough to satisfy our greed
weigh this heavy on me now until i can hardly breathe
love through me
help us see, our eyes are weak, help us please
love through me
Friday, May 13, 2011
Freak of Nature
It all started when I figured out I could lick my elbow. It is supposed to be impossible but I've somehow defied the laws of nature and can do it. In the same sense, I was always told I couldn't have bangs because my hair would stick straight up with my cowlick. Well folks, I've done it again. I had always believed this lie until today when I decided I would rebel against my hairdresser and test this little theory out myself. I sat in my friend Lauren's bathroom and let her work her magic. I now have the bangs I have been wanting and good news, they aren't sticking straight up!
So don't let anyone tell you something is impossible....you could wind up licking your elbow or having those bangs after all.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Tallest Man on Earth
I don't know about you guys but I know for me there are times when I just get sick and tired of the same old music and need something just really fresh and new to listen to. Saying this, a lot of you probably won't like this but man, you have to admit that there is passion in this music. This guy has the most raw voice I've ever heard and he can REALLY play the guitar. It's definitely what I've been craving to listen to all day.
Friday, May 6, 2011
SURPRISE!
I have changed the layout of my blog once again. It's the simplest it has ever been but this is a good thing. I'm going to start posting more pictures so the less distracting the background, the better!
I am extremely sorry to those that keep up with my blog because lately you have not had much to keep up with, have you? Don't worry there is a reasonable excuse behind my absence and here is why:
Basically, whoever said senior year was all fun and games clearly has some kind of warped, sick sense of humor.
I went into this year all excited and anticipating it to be easy but no. Even after all the college stuff is taken care of, teachers seem to sense when the stress begins wearing off and it just gives them this weird urge to begin piling up more work than ever. They are out to get us...I'm sure of it.
On the bright side, seniors exempting exams only have one more official week left of school. A week filled with speed teaching and impromptu testing but nonetheless, the final week. Also on the bright side, I will be going to the beach with friends in 11 days and graduating in 18. Time has been flying lately and I'm sure next week will be no exception.....if I make it out alive.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Avett Obsession
Recently, I have had a small obsession with listening to The Avett Brothers. They are the perfect blend of soulful, southern music. Not to mention they have A TON of talent. It's ridiculous.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
2 Facts & 2 Thoughts
Facts
1. Laughing
I've been told that laughing adds 15 minutes onto your life. Man, if that's true then I am going to live FOREVER! If you combine all the times I laugh into one day, it would probably equal about an hour a day. Tonight a girl at the Lovelady Center told my reading buddy that I was a giggle box...I've never understood that expression.
2. People
There is some sort of theory that every person is somehow connected by at least six people (6 degrees of seperation). So I know a person who knows a person who knows a person and one of your friends is a friend of that person's friend's friend blah blah blah. As confusing as it may sound, I think it's a pretty reasonable argument. One of my best friends who moved here from Washington said today that his family probably makes up the center of the chain because they know so many people. He's probably right.
Thoughts
1. I want to start a trend. I want to bring back a couple of old styles. More specifically, these styles:
1. Laughing
I've been told that laughing adds 15 minutes onto your life. Man, if that's true then I am going to live FOREVER! If you combine all the times I laugh into one day, it would probably equal about an hour a day. Tonight a girl at the Lovelady Center told my reading buddy that I was a giggle box...I've never understood that expression.
2. People
There is some sort of theory that every person is somehow connected by at least six people (6 degrees of seperation). So I know a person who knows a person who knows a person and one of your friends is a friend of that person's friend's friend blah blah blah. As confusing as it may sound, I think it's a pretty reasonable argument. One of my best friends who moved here from Washington said today that his family probably makes up the center of the chain because they know so many people. He's probably right.
Thoughts
1. I want to start a trend. I want to bring back a couple of old styles. More specifically, these styles:
This type of hat
and
One-Piece Swimsuits from the 50's
2. This is a sorry way to end a post but I am ready to graduate. It has been one of my main thoughts since school started back after spring break. So far my summer agenda is looking like this: beach, Camp War Eagle, shady kids (church friends) camping trip, New York, and summer camp. Needless to say, I am excited. Not to mention, once all of those festivities are over I'll be moving down to Auburn and the fun will continue!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
A list of things I want to do before I leave for college
I can't believe I did it again.
I had this great list made out with something witty to say after every point and I somehow deleted it all. Any normal person would have pressed undo. But no. Of course I hit the back button right after I watch the thing save over my last draft. Oh, blogger.com...why don't you understand my mind??
So, I'm about to try this again. If something happens I WILL press the undo button. Third time's a charm right?
A List of Things I Want to do Before I Leave for College:
1. Learn how to cook
I have terrible luck when it comes to using the oven.
2. READ
When I was younger I used to love to read....then I started high school. Now all I have time to read is what teachers put in front of me.
3. More art!
Less facebook time -- more drawing, painting, and dorm room decoration making time.
4. Brush up on my guitar skills
Because I never know when they might come in handy.
5. Spend more time outside
Unless it's unbearably hot or pouring down rain.
6. Get the brakes on my bike fixed
a) So I can stop
b) More practice--I want to be able to dodge people on the way to class at Auburn next
year
7. Finish knitting my scarf
It's been about 4 months....by the time I finish it, it will probably be just about time to break out the swimsuits.
8. Get a summer job that I enjoy
I always overanalyze whether or not I want to work somewhere and end up just not turning in an application at all.
9. Buy more Auburn clothing
Shirt, sweatshirt, hat....ANYTHING! Because I was raised an Alabama fan, the only clothing I own that is orange and blue is my War Eagle Day shirt. That's just not going to cut it next year.
10. Start eating healthier and exercising
So the dreaded freshman 15 does not turn into an unfortunate freshman 50.
I had this great list made out with something witty to say after every point and I somehow deleted it all. Any normal person would have pressed undo. But no. Of course I hit the back button right after I watch the thing save over my last draft. Oh, blogger.com...why don't you understand my mind??
So, I'm about to try this again. If something happens I WILL press the undo button. Third time's a charm right?
A List of Things I Want to do Before I Leave for College:
1. Learn how to cook
I have terrible luck when it comes to using the oven.
2. READ
When I was younger I used to love to read....then I started high school. Now all I have time to read is what teachers put in front of me.
3. More art!
Less facebook time -- more drawing, painting, and dorm room decoration making time.
4. Brush up on my guitar skills
Because I never know when they might come in handy.
5. Spend more time outside
Unless it's unbearably hot or pouring down rain.
6. Get the brakes on my bike fixed
a) So I can stop
b) More practice--I want to be able to dodge people on the way to class at Auburn next
year
7. Finish knitting my scarf
It's been about 4 months....by the time I finish it, it will probably be just about time to break out the swimsuits.
8. Get a summer job that I enjoy
I always overanalyze whether or not I want to work somewhere and end up just not turning in an application at all.
9. Buy more Auburn clothing
Shirt, sweatshirt, hat....ANYTHING! Because I was raised an Alabama fan, the only clothing I own that is orange and blue is my War Eagle Day shirt. That's just not going to cut it next year.
10. Start eating healthier and exercising
So the dreaded freshman 15 does not turn into an unfortunate freshman 50.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Blessed to be a Blessing
I've been bad. I haven't updated my blog in what? Like two weeks? The thing is, I have stuff to say. I just know it's going to take a while to type.
This past week I went on a mission trip.
But wait! It's not what you think.
Instead of leaving the country or driving to another state, I went on a mission trip right here in Birmingham. Trust me, it felt like I was not in Alabama. Having grown up right outside of the city, I never really thought much about downtown except it was where I occasionally took a trip to see a show, go to the Mcwane Center or something along those lines. Oh, and I hated going down there at night, the bars on all the store windows made me nervous and all the homeless people sort of freaked me out.
I am proud to say that my perspective has changed entirely.
I spent the night in not exactly the best part of town for half a week. The bars on the windows are to keep people from breaking in. People who have nothing and are desperate for something. Homeless people aren't scary, they're people. They have the same fears and dreams as me and you and are desperately in need of hope.
Every night during the trip we had the opportunity to share with the group things had taught us during the day. Here are some of the things I shared.
Story #1: Jackpot
On Saturday, we had the opportunity to be paired up with women from The Foundry, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, while they were working at the thrift store. A couple of my friends and I got paired up with a girl named Sarah and her job was to write sizes on clothes and throw them into the mens, womens, or childrens boxes. While Sarah was taking her break, we decided to continue sorting the clothing and I came upon this sort of silky shirt. While I was looking for the shirt's tag, I saw what looked like a piece of paper someone had rolled up and stitched inside the shirt. As I looked at it closer, I freaked out. There was money rolled up in it. A LOT of money. My friend Ashley took the shirt to one of our youth ministers and he starts pulling dollar bills out of it. HUNDRED dollar bills. FIFTEEN HUNDRED dollar bills to be exact. Needless to say, I was the trip celebrity for the rest of the day. People from all over the store were coming up to our table and I'm pretty sure I had some variation of this conversation with the same guy about three times.
"Who found the money??????"
"I did."
"You turned that in???"
"Yep."
"Well, next time you find it, you should divvy it out to us! We work for free you know."
"Ha....yeah."
"So, you really turned all of it in??"
"Yeeeeeep."
"Well.....thats good.......I might have done that too."
The thing is, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have. Sadly enough, most of them wouldn't have. That's why it was such a God thing. The temptation of money is a big one and $1500 could have easily sent someone at The Foundry back to their old lifestyle once they got a weekend pass. Not only am I glad it was in the right hands when we left but it was also a great witnessing opportunity. Most of the workers there were shocked that I had chosen to turn it in. Hopefully by hearing about us turning it in, it made some of the people rethink what they would have done in the situation.
Story #2: Blessed
On Saturday and Sunday, we were able to serve the homeless downtown through a ministry called Urban Purpose. As I normally do on these types of trips, I worked with the food. It was such a blessing though! It was unbelievable how cheerful most of the people were. People who have hardly anything at all! One instance that really touched my heart was a short conversation we had with a man after we gave him lunch. It went something like this:
Homeless man: "So it's pretty bad what happened in Japan isn't it?"
Us: "Yeah, it is."
Homeless man: "Yeah...we are just so blessed."
Woah woah woah. Stop it right there. A homeless man just said he was blessed....whaaaaat?
Ok, this proved to me right then and there that we have absolutely nothing to complain about. Here is a man who is probably going to sleep in the woods or under a bridge tonight and doesn't know where he's going to get his next meal and is thankful for what he has. Wow. I think all of that just speaks for itself.
Story #3: Not just for now.
Again on Saturday while I was serving food, I was able to talk to one of the main leaders of the ministry's wife. She asked about where I was going to go to school and what I was going to major in and after I told her graphic design she said "Ok, cool.....you should come back and work with Urban Purpose!" WOAH! Ok no matter how much I love that idea, I know I shouldn't get my hopes up because that job will most likely be filled by the time I get out of school. Anyways, whether I can ever work for them or not, I began thinking. What we have going here downtown is not just for now. After we graduate, we have our whole lives ahead of us! No matter where we end up, we need to constantly be looking for ways to use our talents or really anything we have to offer to help serve others and help shine the light of Christ.
My Mission Trip Experience
By: Anna-Kate
(I thought this was appropriate since this post is like a mini novel)
(I thought this was appropriate since this post is like a mini novel)
This past week I went on a mission trip.
But wait! It's not what you think.
Instead of leaving the country or driving to another state, I went on a mission trip right here in Birmingham. Trust me, it felt like I was not in Alabama. Having grown up right outside of the city, I never really thought much about downtown except it was where I occasionally took a trip to see a show, go to the Mcwane Center or something along those lines. Oh, and I hated going down there at night, the bars on all the store windows made me nervous and all the homeless people sort of freaked me out.
I am proud to say that my perspective has changed entirely.
I spent the night in not exactly the best part of town for half a week. The bars on the windows are to keep people from breaking in. People who have nothing and are desperate for something. Homeless people aren't scary, they're people. They have the same fears and dreams as me and you and are desperately in need of hope.
Every night during the trip we had the opportunity to share with the group things had taught us during the day. Here are some of the things I shared.
Story #1: Jackpot
On Saturday, we had the opportunity to be paired up with women from The Foundry, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, while they were working at the thrift store. A couple of my friends and I got paired up with a girl named Sarah and her job was to write sizes on clothes and throw them into the mens, womens, or childrens boxes. While Sarah was taking her break, we decided to continue sorting the clothing and I came upon this sort of silky shirt. While I was looking for the shirt's tag, I saw what looked like a piece of paper someone had rolled up and stitched inside the shirt. As I looked at it closer, I freaked out. There was money rolled up in it. A LOT of money. My friend Ashley took the shirt to one of our youth ministers and he starts pulling dollar bills out of it. HUNDRED dollar bills. FIFTEEN HUNDRED dollar bills to be exact. Needless to say, I was the trip celebrity for the rest of the day. People from all over the store were coming up to our table and I'm pretty sure I had some variation of this conversation with the same guy about three times.
"Who found the money??????"
"I did."
"You turned that in???"
"Yep."
"Well, next time you find it, you should divvy it out to us! We work for free you know."
"Ha....yeah."
"So, you really turned all of it in??"
"Yeeeeeep."
"Well.....thats good.......I might have done that too."
The thing is, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have. Sadly enough, most of them wouldn't have. That's why it was such a God thing. The temptation of money is a big one and $1500 could have easily sent someone at The Foundry back to their old lifestyle once they got a weekend pass. Not only am I glad it was in the right hands when we left but it was also a great witnessing opportunity. Most of the workers there were shocked that I had chosen to turn it in. Hopefully by hearing about us turning it in, it made some of the people rethink what they would have done in the situation.
Story #2: Blessed
On Saturday and Sunday, we were able to serve the homeless downtown through a ministry called Urban Purpose. As I normally do on these types of trips, I worked with the food. It was such a blessing though! It was unbelievable how cheerful most of the people were. People who have hardly anything at all! One instance that really touched my heart was a short conversation we had with a man after we gave him lunch. It went something like this:
Homeless man: "So it's pretty bad what happened in Japan isn't it?"
Us: "Yeah, it is."
Homeless man: "Yeah...we are just so blessed."
Woah woah woah. Stop it right there. A homeless man just said he was blessed....whaaaaat?
Ok, this proved to me right then and there that we have absolutely nothing to complain about. Here is a man who is probably going to sleep in the woods or under a bridge tonight and doesn't know where he's going to get his next meal and is thankful for what he has. Wow. I think all of that just speaks for itself.
Story #3: Not just for now.
Again on Saturday while I was serving food, I was able to talk to one of the main leaders of the ministry's wife. She asked about where I was going to go to school and what I was going to major in and after I told her graphic design she said "Ok, cool.....you should come back and work with Urban Purpose!" WOAH! Ok no matter how much I love that idea, I know I shouldn't get my hopes up because that job will most likely be filled by the time I get out of school. Anyways, whether I can ever work for them or not, I began thinking. What we have going here downtown is not just for now. After we graduate, we have our whole lives ahead of us! No matter where we end up, we need to constantly be looking for ways to use our talents or really anything we have to offer to help serve others and help shine the light of Christ.
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