I know you did not get to see the WWII Memorial
when you were in DC last, so I took pictures for you.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Grandpa, this is for you. =)
I'm gonna regret this in the morning - oh, wait... it IS morning...
This was the thought running through my mind 5 hours ago as I was driving back from a Casting Crowns/Nicole Nordeman concert. So, yeah, I'm currently running on 3 1/2 hours of sleep (totally not normal for me!), but I really don't regret it at all (yet =]). I had such an amazing time last night! The music was great. The fellowship was great - even the hour and a half ride to and from the arena was enjoyable!
This was my first big Christian concert, and it was a little different from what I was expecting. Nicole Nordeman did the first half (or one third). Her performance was pretty much what I thought it would be. She played most of my favorite songs from her last two CDs. It was the Casting Crowns half that got interesting... For the most part, the audience was invited to sing along, which I LOVED, but I'm not sure that's the norm for most bands (Christian or otherwise). There were random calls to give a "shout out to Jesus" and to "raise your hands," which was just weird to me. Then there was the "sermonette" toward the end of the concert (it was on the cheesy side), followed by a quasi-alter-call, at which point people who had been lifting their hands and shouting "praise Jesus" throughout the whole concert "decided" to commit their lives to Christ. I really just don't get the idea of having an alter-call at a "Christian" concert. I mean, do they really thing that that many non-Christians (half of the audience stood up!) attend their concert?!
What I really loved was hearing some of the stories behind the songs. It is so neat to hear how the lyrics were inspired! Some of the stories were really sad, others were absolutely encouraging. But it just adds so much more meaning to the songs when I understand where the artist is coming from.
Here are my favorite lines from some of the songs that were sung last night:
What if you're right?...
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it's true?
But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
~ What If, Nicole Nordeman
Of all the songs sung last night, I think this one resonates most with me. It was inspired by the many debates Nicole had with a close friend, and the realization that it is only God who does the work in the hears of men. We are called to bring the gospel. We can't actually argue people into the Kingdom!
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
~ Brave, Nicole Nordeman
I had heard this song on the radio many times, but it made so much more sense once I was given the context. Before she sang it, she dedicated it to anyone with kids. This was pretty much a song written to her child. =)
To hang between two thieves in the darkness
Love must believe you are worth it
~ Hold On, Nicole Nordeman
Before singing this Nicole told a story of a friend who committed suicide - that was definitely the most emotional part of the evening (she even had grown men crying!).
I don't know how you found me
Or why you let me come back
'Cause it's a long way home when all you're left to carry
Is a heart of stone and the weight of most the world
~ Lay It Down, Nicole Nordeman
This is the story of the prodigal son.
I barely hear your whisper through the rain,
I'm with you
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
The God who gives and takes away
~ Praise You in the Storm, Casting Crowns
This was the second most emotional part of the evening! "Praise You in the Storm" was born out of an experience with a family that lost their daughter to Cancer.
Morning breaks another day
Finds me crying in the rain
All alone with my demons
I am Who is this man that comes my way?
As the God man passes by
He looks straight through my eyes
And darkness cannot hide
~ Set Me Free, Casting Crowns
This is the story of the Gadarene, who was demon possessed before Christ set him free.
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage?
The performance is convincing...
But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
You imagine me to be
~ Stained Glass Mascarade, Casting Crowns
There are many more songs that I LOVE, but I would be here all day if I wrote out ALL my favorite lines! =)
This was my first big Christian concert, and it was a little different from what I was expecting. Nicole Nordeman did the first half (or one third). Her performance was pretty much what I thought it would be. She played most of my favorite songs from her last two CDs. It was the Casting Crowns half that got interesting... For the most part, the audience was invited to sing along, which I LOVED, but I'm not sure that's the norm for most bands (Christian or otherwise). There were random calls to give a "shout out to Jesus" and to "raise your hands," which was just weird to me. Then there was the "sermonette" toward the end of the concert (it was on the cheesy side), followed by a quasi-alter-call, at which point people who had been lifting their hands and shouting "praise Jesus" throughout the whole concert "decided" to commit their lives to Christ. I really just don't get the idea of having an alter-call at a "Christian" concert. I mean, do they really thing that that many non-Christians (half of the audience stood up!) attend their concert?!
What I really loved was hearing some of the stories behind the songs. It is so neat to hear how the lyrics were inspired! Some of the stories were really sad, others were absolutely encouraging. But it just adds so much more meaning to the songs when I understand where the artist is coming from.
Here are my favorite lines from some of the songs that were sung last night:
What if you're right?...
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it's true?
But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
~ What If, Nicole Nordeman
Of all the songs sung last night, I think this one resonates most with me. It was inspired by the many debates Nicole had with a close friend, and the realization that it is only God who does the work in the hears of men. We are called to bring the gospel. We can't actually argue people into the Kingdom!
So long status quo
I think I just let go
You make me want to be brave
The way it always was
Is no longer good enough
You make me want to be brave
~ Brave, Nicole Nordeman
I had heard this song on the radio many times, but it made so much more sense once I was given the context. Before she sang it, she dedicated it to anyone with kids. This was pretty much a song written to her child. =)
To hang between two thieves in the darkness
Love must believe you are worth it
~ Hold On, Nicole Nordeman
Before singing this Nicole told a story of a friend who committed suicide - that was definitely the most emotional part of the evening (she even had grown men crying!).
I don't know how you found me
Or why you let me come back
'Cause it's a long way home when all you're left to carry
Is a heart of stone and the weight of most the world
~ Lay It Down, Nicole Nordeman
This is the story of the prodigal son.
I barely hear your whisper through the rain,
I'm with you
And as your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
The God who gives and takes away
~ Praise You in the Storm, Casting Crowns
This was the second most emotional part of the evening! "Praise You in the Storm" was born out of an experience with a family that lost their daughter to Cancer.
Morning breaks another day
Finds me crying in the rain
All alone with my demons
I am Who is this man that comes my way?
As the God man passes by
He looks straight through my eyes
And darkness cannot hide
~ Set Me Free, Casting Crowns
This is the story of the Gadarene, who was demon possessed before Christ set him free.
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage?
The performance is convincing...
But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
You imagine me to be
~ Stained Glass Mascarade, Casting Crowns
There are many more songs that I LOVE, but I would be here all day if I wrote out ALL my favorite lines! =)
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Rejoice with me! My earing which was lost, is now found.
There is nothing better than making a fool of yourself in front of your co-workers... except maybe... getting your co-workers to join you and make fools of themselves. =P
I realized yesterday, when I arrived at my apartment, that I had lost one of my dangly earings during the course of the day. I was very sad, especially since it was my favorite pair. So, today I have been keeping my eyes open for them just in case I lost it while I was in my office building. Low and behold, there it was! Right in the doorway of my office! But alas, when I picked it up, the little (and when I say little, I mean miniscule!) transparent, pink bead fell off. *SADNESS!!!* =(
So, there I was in the hallway on my hands and knees, when the guy who works in the office next to mine and his intern walk up and greet me with an odd look that says: "you're strange, and I am not even going to ask." Rather than crawl into the cave that is my office, I answered the question they would not ask and requested their aid. They immediately went down on all fours to help the poor damsel in distress (who, at this point took on the role of supervisor), only to be found in this unseemly position by one of the big bosses, who promptly fullfilled his duty, and ridiculed their behavior.
They did manage to find the aforementioned bead, and there was much rejoicing! =)
I realized yesterday, when I arrived at my apartment, that I had lost one of my dangly earings during the course of the day. I was very sad, especially since it was my favorite pair. So, today I have been keeping my eyes open for them just in case I lost it while I was in my office building. Low and behold, there it was! Right in the doorway of my office! But alas, when I picked it up, the little (and when I say little, I mean miniscule!) transparent, pink bead fell off. *SADNESS!!!* =(
So, there I was in the hallway on my hands and knees, when the guy who works in the office next to mine and his intern walk up and greet me with an odd look that says: "you're strange, and I am not even going to ask." Rather than crawl into the cave that is my office, I answered the question they would not ask and requested their aid. They immediately went down on all fours to help the poor damsel in distress (who, at this point took on the role of supervisor), only to be found in this unseemly position by one of the big bosses, who promptly fullfilled his duty, and ridiculed their behavior.
They did manage to find the aforementioned bead, and there was much rejoicing! =)
A Little Bit of Heaven on Earth
The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
~ Psalm 19:1
He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven...
~ Colossians 1:22-23
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.
~ Psalm 27:4
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:11
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
~ Psalm 16:6
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
~ Psalm 50:2
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
We are a Vain Country!
Walking into the lunch room this morning, I heard some shocking statistics on Fox New. Did you know that 63% of women and 55% of men would rather be poor and have the perfect body weight, than be rich and have to lose a lot of weight?! It's amazing, with a statistic like that, that the obesity rate could be so high in the US. Here are some other findings from the weight poll:
- 58% of women and 54% of men say they'd rather be unemployed than gain 75 pounds.
- 27% of women say they'd rather get their wisdom teeth pulled than shop for swimsuits. (what do you thing about that, Leesi? Oh, I forgot, you have the perfect body, this doesn't really apply to you)
- 36% of women and 48 percent of men say their abdominal muscles are the body part they would most like to change. (why? just keep your shirt on and no one will see your abs =])
- 42% of men and 27% of women say their arms are the body part they are happiest with.
I Should Have Been a Photographer!
I am not saying that I am any good at photography... it is just that I am never happier than when I am behind a camera lense (notice, I did not say "in front of the camera!"). I spent a lovely afternoon yesterday biking around DC and taking pictures. It was the most beautiful day ever and with all the flowers in bloom, I could not pass up the photo-op! =)
part was when an entire school showed up and I did not notice it because I was
so involved in getting the perfect shot. When I finally got up and turned
around, I realized I had quite the audience. =P
part was when an entire school showed up and I did not notice it because I was
so involved in getting the perfect shot. When I finally got up and turned
around, I realized I had quite the audience. =P
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
You had a Bad Day
I'm not actually having a bad day... it's more of a "blah" day, but this song always cheers me up because it makes me think of my dear sisters, who introduced it to me in the first place. Whenever one of them is having a tough day, the other sings the chorus to "Had a Bad Day" and they both burst into laughter. =) So, wonderful sisters, this is let you know I am thinking about you right now.
Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on
You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on
Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Well, you need a blue sky holiday
The point is, they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on
Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong
Cause you had a bad day...
Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on
You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on
Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Well, you need a blue sky holiday
The point is, they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on
Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong
Cause you had a bad day...
Monday, May 01, 2006
Currently...
Listening to: Dreamer, by Bethany Dillon
Eating: Ham and chedder on whole wheat bread, with cream cheese, onion salt and dill. Why?Cream cheese is cheaper than butter and it tastes good - I mean, think about it... butter costs twice as much as cream cheese! Now I just need to figure out exactly how many recipes can use cream cheese as a butter substitute. =)
Doing: Planning a work-related trip. I REALLY need to get out of DC for a little while!
Hoping: I can find a place to live by the end of this month. I guess homelessness is always an option. The weather is perfect for it right now. =P
Thinking about: A dream I had last night... it was so real, I thought I could really feel the little squishy jellyfish slip through my fingers as I swam in the canal behind my grandparents house! It woke me up because I was holding my breath (while swimming under water) for so long that my lungs actually hurt. I generally do not remember much about my dreams the next morning, but this one was so vivid, I was disappointed to wake up and realize I was still in DC after all.
Feeling: A little sad... a dear friend will soon be moving away.
Wishing: I were in NY right now.
Eating: Ham and chedder on whole wheat bread, with cream cheese, onion salt and dill. Why?Cream cheese is cheaper than butter and it tastes good - I mean, think about it... butter costs twice as much as cream cheese! Now I just need to figure out exactly how many recipes can use cream cheese as a butter substitute. =)
Doing: Planning a work-related trip. I REALLY need to get out of DC for a little while!
Hoping: I can find a place to live by the end of this month. I guess homelessness is always an option. The weather is perfect for it right now. =P
Thinking about: A dream I had last night... it was so real, I thought I could really feel the little squishy jellyfish slip through my fingers as I swam in the canal behind my grandparents house! It woke me up because I was holding my breath (while swimming under water) for so long that my lungs actually hurt. I generally do not remember much about my dreams the next morning, but this one was so vivid, I was disappointed to wake up and realize I was still in DC after all.
Feeling: A little sad... a dear friend will soon be moving away.
Wishing: I were in NY right now.
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