Good Things: May 2010

I don't even know where I have been, blogosphere.  Good thing I really only do this for myself.  Here are my Good Things for May!

1- Dinner in Charleston, on the rooftop.  The Breeze and nice weather was more than I could ask for.
2- Boone Hall Plantation
3- 1st sunburn of the summer... not a great thing... but I love that it means warm weather is here
4- Home...
5- God provides (as always)!  My Boss takes me going back to school well; I finish with my pre-req class.
6- My CEO has a project she wants me to work on as my part-time position!  God is so good!
7- Shag Dancing :-)
8- Strawberry picking -- they were everywhere
9- filled out the FASFA -- dude, it was so much easier than I thought!
10- ...
11- Bible Study... just left encouraged
12- WICKED!  Need I say more?
13- very productive day at work... and dinner at Chipotle
14- orientation for school -- it is becoming so real!
15- lots of cleaning... boy did my apartment need it!
16- finished Angie Smith's book -- "I Will Carry You" -- easy read, but very encouraging
17- apt stuff not going super well... but lots of laughter with Laura
18- lots of new Glee music! :-), Wakey! Wakey! -- get their CD, it is so worth it!
19- Office Clean out day -- AWESOME!  My new clean office looks amazing
20- good time with Salem -- I have some great volunteers
21- Went to the NC Ag Fest... fun times! 
22- Lara and Bryan's Wedding -- Congrats!
23- found some quiet time
24- didn't have to work as late as I had anticipated
25- Glee and NCIS -- I lead such a sad life...
26- stared a new Scrapbook page... yea for creativity
27- flowers from my Wake 19 volunteers
28- check delivered
29- CASWELL!!! The sun came out and I got some quality time on the beach! :-)
30- shagging at Caswell... the awkward abounds, but sometimes that can be awesome.  Got to teach Josh Wilson and his wife! :-)
31- quality time with Laura.

Happy June!  Hope everyone has some awesome summer plans!

Songs on Repeat

When I get obsessed with something, I can't stop.  Just ask my roommates.  My  mom has gotten me hooked on NCIS.  I don't think I would want to even know how many of the marathons I have DVR'd in the last month or so.  And I am sure my roommates would forbid me from hitting the record button if they knew the number, too.

Or when I get hooked on a type food, then that is all I want.  For example?  Right now I can't get enough of egg salad or Grilled Cheese.  I make egg salad at least 2-3 times a week for lunch... and grilled cheese at least twice a week for dinner and at least two times each weekend.  I am sad and I know it... but it is how I roll, k?

That being said, this post made me think... what songs could I listen to over and over again?  Here is what I came up with:

1. Glory to God by Fee
2. Amazing Grace, the Josh Wilson version
3. Let There Be Light by Andrew Peterson
4. One Song, Glory from Rent
5. Only a Man by Jonny Lang

I am sure there are even more than that -- but that is what I could come up with off the top of my head. Maybe I should look at my Top 25 Most Played on my iPod.

Do you have songs you could listen to over and over again?

Did you see this?

This is kind of old -- well, maybe even really old.  Forgive me.

BUT, did you see one of my favorite musicians Josh Wilson in the Newark airport?

Well, it made US Weekly!  Nope. Not kidding -- here is the little article.  

Made me smile. 

That being said, there is a rumor amongst my friends that Josh might be our worship leader again this year at the Fort Caswell retreat.  I can only hope... because Josh is awesome!

Christmas Music

I love Christmas!  I love the anticipation, the cheer, the food, the presents.  I don't so much enjoy the crowds at the malls, but that is neither here nor there.

I also love the message of Christmas. It is about a day to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He came to this earth as a man to ultimately die for our sins.  He not only humbled himself to become man, but he entered as a baby, a baby born in a manager.  We don't deserve His grace, yet we are free to receive it.

Christmas is my favorite holiday for many, many reasons.  While I agree with this blogger's opinion and how American is pushing out Thanksgiving and that the consumerism of Christmas is taking over... I start listening to Christmas music November 1st each year (and I'll randomly break out my favorite CDs throughout the year).  I love Christmas music, especially from artists who keep Christ the center of Christmas and their Christmas Music.

Want to learn about some of my favorites?

Last year, I shared endlessly about Josh Wilson.  If you still have bought his Sing EP, I suggest you go and do that right now!

I also have found about Aaron Hale from MPT at his blog, Jesus Needs New PR.  I haven't downloaded the EP yet; I need to wait to get back to my personal computer.  But I have enjoyed listening to it on Aaron's website.

Speaking of MPT, he is doing a great giveaway on his blog through midnight tonight!  I am participating... you have a chance to win Chris Tomlin's new Christmas music/Worship CD and a bunch of other stuff. 

I also recommend you check on Daniel Renstorm's On the Incarnation.  It is his NEW Christmas EP.  It has 8 tracks and points to Christ throughout.  Daniel leads worship at my church, Providence Baptist, and I also love his other EP Adore and Tremble.  Support him and his wonderful music!

Other great Christmas CDs?  Well, I received Casting Crown's Peace on Earth for my birthday.  It is great.  I also love Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God or MercyMe's The Christmas Sessions.  And don't forget Shane and Shane's Glory in the Highest.

What are your favorite Christmas albums? CD's? songs? 

Monday

Is it just another Manic Monday? Maybe, not...

"Why don't people like Monday? It's a day of optimism. The week can only get better from here. We should rename it "Funday."" - stolen from Josh Wilson (via his Twitter Updates).

I'll try changing my perspective on Monday... after all, it couldn't hurt Monday's chances of being a good day!

Happy Monday!

Fort Caswell: Revive

Last year at Fort Caswell, Josh Wilson came and led worship for us. He was a huge blessing and such a talented guy. It has been fun to see his ministry and career take off this past year.

And then this year, Revive came and led worship for us. Check them out! They are so much fun! This band is extremely talented and you can see God's hand in their story. It is by no mistake that they have been called to be musicians. They were so cool, too! They hung out at the beach with us, joked around with us. I hope they felt how grateful we were to have them lead worship for us and to just share their lives with us.

I bought their CD's at the retreat and they have been playing in my car non stop since then. I really enjoy "Losers" off of the Tarfalgar St. Album and "You Know" off the Chorus of the Saints Album.

SOOO... go and check them out! And in case you are too lazy... just watch this video of them telling their story (and yes, they are about that funny and awesome in person, too!):

iPod Meme: Nothing to Lose!

I saw this on Jessica's Blog and thought it looked like fun. So I thought I would join in as well...

Rules:
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag friends who might enjoy doing the game.

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
"Under Pressure" -Queen and David Bowie

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Lightning Crashes- Live

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A FRIEND?
Anything's Possibly- Johnny Lang

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Life Is a Highway- Rascall Flatts

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Last Kiss- Peral Jam

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Ice Cream- Sarah MacLachlan (hmmm, especially if it is Ben & Jerry's Cinnamon Bun)

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Daughters- John Mayer

8. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Heros- The Wallflowers

9. WHAT IS 2 + 2?
We Didn't Start the Fire- Billy Joel

10. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Rock & Roll- Eric Hutchinson

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
What You Own (from RENT)- Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp

12. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
I Still Haven't Found What I am Looking For- U2

13. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
It's a Great Day to Be Alive- Travis Tritt

14. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LOVE?
These Are The Days- 10,000 Maniacs

15. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Undignified (I Will Dance, I Will Sing)- David Crowder

16. WHAT WILL (OR DID) YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
3 Minute Song- Josh Wilson (umm, I would totally dance with Josh Wilson, too- love his music!)

17. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Any Man of Mine- Shania Twain

18. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Great Divide- Hanson (yes, Mmmbop Hanson)

19. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Boondocks- Little Big Town

20. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Different Situation- Athenaeum

21. WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
When the Lights Go Down- Virginia Hullabaloos

22. HOW WILL YOU DIE?
One Tree Hill- U2

23. WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Runaway Run- Hanson

24. WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Best Days- Matt West

25. WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
When God Fearin' Women Get the Blues- Martina McBride

26. DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Here it Goes Again- okGo (haha, kind of how I feel about this subject right now- I feel like my friends and I talk and analyze possible relationships to death... need to get off this vicious cycle right now!)

27. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Crazy Little Thing Called Love- Queen

28. WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Around the Bend- Tony Lucca

29. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Nothing to Lose- Josh Gracin

:-). Some of these made me laugh out loud at work... not always a good thing. Enjoy! I am off to Atlanta this weekend. I'll take pictures and post them for all to see.

PS. I am not going to tag anyone- I never do. Nor do I ever forward chain emails. Sorry.

Vegas Update

I noticed that I haven't posted any pictures in a couple of days... so, why not revisit a post that I made in the days before I knew how to post pictures (yea, I know... sad... but sometimes it takes me a little bit of time to figure it all out.

In the Summer of 2007, I went to Las Vegas with my family. The original post is here. Here are a couple of pictures from that trip:

My dad had to get a family picture with the Vegas sign. One our last night, we braved traffic and made sure to get one snapped. It turned out pretty well, what do you think?

We went to the Grand Canyon one day. It is one magnificent sight... I would love to spend more time there, walking the trails and just marveling in God's creation. Here is just one stunning view we were able to witness.

And, finally, this is where we stayed. The pools there were pretty awesome. All the hotels in Vegas are mini-resorts. Definitely worth the money you shell out to stay there. If you want to have nice long afternoons enjoying the sun, this one has a great lazy river, wave pool, etc.

I'll update on more life happenings soon. Have a great day!

PS. More cute childhood pictures of Josh Wilson today at his advent calendar. Check it out!

Much Better

I have been looking at old posts recently and found this one. The survey said I should find a new job. Well, I retook the quiz. I think it accurately portrays how I feel about my current job. :-)

Your Job Satisfaction Level: 71%

Your job is pretty good, even if it always doesn't seem like it. You have a lot less stress than most people, and your work environment is definitely above average. So if you love what you're doing, keep doing it. It doesn't get a lot better than this. But if you're in a dead end job, you may want to move on. Because if you're not advancing, it's just not worth it.

I am currently praying about what God has in store for me. If you think about it, could you join me in praying? I really do like my job, I just have this feeling that this isn't a long term thing. But I also don't feel called out of the job quite yet. Pray that I would be content where I am at but also taking steps of faith so that I am about to discern when God is calling me away from this job.

On the Josh Wilson front, he is giving away his version of "Angels We Have Heard on High," today on his Advent Calendar. Love this song and his version. Go now and get it! :-).

Things to Do

My friend Tiffany has two blogs. Her newest one is a really cool idea and I wanted to share it with you all. It is a list of things to do before you die... but they are all really cool ideas. I plan on joining her in the attempt to do them. Make sure to check it out!

As well, have you all be checking out Josh Wilson's Advent Calendar? Yesterday was free shipping on ordering his CD, "Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup." Today he talks about his Christmas EP and the song "Sing." Check it out! It's a great way to countdown to the day we remember the birth of Christ, the reason for this Advent season.

You may notice some changes over the coming weeks and such... I have lots of things I want to blog about and ways I want to make this blog a little more fun for all... but mainly me. I love sharing my life with you blog readers, but I do this more as a way to journal, try to remember things, etc... so I am going to try to spice this up and I hope you all enjoy it!

Josh Wilson

Merry Christmas season!!! This is my favorite time of the year... the anticipation, the cheer, I love it! Now, if it would only snow in North Carolina...

Today, I want to introduce you to one of my new favorite artists, Josh Wilson. I was originally introduced to his music when he played at our Spring Singles Retreat at Fort Caswell. He led worship there and from the moment he began I knew he was an artist to remember! He led worship in a way that showed humbleness and true desire to have God be the center. Not to mention, he just rocked the guitar and piano. I bought his EP and CD at the retreat and they have been on almost constantly since then.

His song "3 minute song" has been played on KLove, if you listen either in your hometown or online. As well, I think they recently began playing his song "Beautiful Like This." I would also go to youtube and watch this video of his version of "Amazing Grace."

All I have to say about him is that Josh Wilson is an awesome musician who takes Christian music out of the cheesy and puts it into the realm of good music. His music is amazing and paired with lyrics that are thoughtful, encouraging, convicting and God-glorifying. And there are times where you can hear some of his tongue-in-cheek sense of humor, too. I encourage you all to check him out!

Seriously... check out his myspace page, as well as joshwilsononline.com. The website has an Advent Calendar and he promises lots of fun things, including free things for those who visit! I am not going to miss this Advent Calendar, that is for sure!

So, what are you waiting for? Buy his music on iTunes... request him on KLove... go! now! ;-).