Wake-Up Call

Have you read Francis Chan's Crazy Love? I read this book last year in community groups with Encounter, and now my d-group is reading it.

I must not have been paying attention last fall, because I feel like these words are all news to me! I love how God does that. Emphasizes different things to us, in different seasons of our lives.

In d-group, we discussed chapter 2 tonight, entitled 'you might not finish this chapter.' It's all about worry and stress. I want to share with you Francis' definitions of the two.

• Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.
• Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others, or our tight grip of control.

Wow.

Marinate in that for a moment.

How true is that? My brother quoted me something recently, that 'worrying is temporary atheism.' And the truth is, when we worry, when we get stressed out and anxious, we are denying that there is anyone or anything more important in our lives than that which we're stressing over.

Furthermore, when we stress and worry, we're living in sin. We are to rejoice in the Lord, always. Even in the hard times. Even in the stressful times. We are to have an attitude of joy!

Feeling convicted yet?

I know I am. I think how often I make the world about me. My day-to-day is so Leigh-centered sometimes that I lose, forever, precious opportunities to glorify the Lord, my chief end. And when I waste myself through my sin, in the words of A.W. Tozer, I am wasting "that which on earth is most like God. This is man's greatest tragedy and God's heaviest grief."

So what's the key? We have to get over ourselves. We have to deny ourselves, daily, pick up our cross, and remember that at any moment, the Lord could decide that he would gain more glory through our death than through our continued living, and at that moment, we're gone. Therefore, we must remember, we cannot forget, that we are nothing compared to the King, and nothing matters save his glory.

I encourage us, myself included, to remember whose we are. And that any life not bringing glory to the Creator of the universe and the Lover of our hearts, is a wasted one.

Don't waste it.

What You Should Be Jamming To This Week

Hey darlings!

So this week, my picks salute the fine male musicians in this world :) This is not an exhaustive list, by any means, but I will venture to say that it contains many of our time's finest.

1. Can't Let Go - Landon Pigg

I've loved him for years now. I used to watch this music video and marvel at his amazingness. He's the man of my dreams ;) Anyway, he's actually in an upcoming movie called Whip It. Produced by Drew Barrymore and starring Ellen Page, Landon plays the love interest. If only I were Ellen..

2. Industry - Jon McLaughlin

Even more my perfect man, and Emily would agree, Jon could win any woman's heart with his piano. I love this song.

3. In Love With A Girl - Gavin DeGraw

This song is just great. He knows how to rock out, for sure, and the video is sweet!

4. Where We Gonna Go From Here - Mat Kearney

I love this guy, his lyrics, his style, everything. And he loves the Lord, too. He has such a soothing voice.

5. Jenny Don't Be Hasty - Paolo Nutini

He's Scottish and this song is seductive, but so great!

6. God Put A Smile Upon Your Face - Coldplay

Chris Martin is perhaps one of the greatest songwriters of all time. This is only a glimpse of the talent that is this man and his band of Brits.

7. No You Girls - Franz Ferdinand

I LOVE this band, and this song, in particular. I saw them at MTV Winter in Valencia this February, and it was so cool. Also Scots, the lead singer Alex Kapranos is dreamy.

8. Bunnies (Live) - Howie Day

A virtuoso guitarist, this one-man band is genius with loops and pedals and using his Tak as a djembe of sorts.

9. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room - John Mayer

If anyone can paint pictures with his lyrics, it's John. This song is beautiful on so many different levels. If you haven't heard it, find it now.

10. Hey Jude - The Beatles

The ultimate men of music.

A Day Late

But 10 celebration songs the richer!

Sorry for my lack of posting yesterday. I don't have an excuse, really, except I wasn't home much. However, in light of all the birthdays going on around this apartment (Emily's 21st on Sunday and Rachel's 20th tomorrow) here's a brief list of the soundtracks we've made to our festivities:

1. I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas

So I'm not really up on the latest pop music, but our fourth roommate, Natalie, keeps me in line. This is her theme song right now. I must say, it's catchy :)

2. Circus - Brittany Spears

I definitely never listened to this before Sunday, when Emily insisted it be played at the party! It's ridiculous, but nonetheless a fun song to just let loose to.

3. Party in the U.S.A. - Miley Cyrus

Because this teen queen knows how to do it right... ?

4. Diva - Beyonce

Because she wears insane 'sunglasses' in this music video.

5. Single Ladies - Beyonce

Because she can dance in ways no other human on the planet is capable of.

6. Paranoid - Jonas Brothers

Hanson, round two. And Emily's obsession :)

7. Don't Forget - Demi Lovato

Natalie's favorite tween star, this song is often played in E201. We like Demi because she's got real talent and actually plays her own music.

8. The entire album Unidos Permanecemos - Hillsong United

Yes, this is Hillsong. In Spanish. Because we all love to be culturally educated.

9. The Way I Feel - Matt Wertz

We love each other, and we can't help the way we feel about each other. So we express it through (listening to) music. Also, this song is just wonderful.

10. Human - The Killers

Great for a Castle Rave.

The time has come

for another round.

Buckle your seatbelts.

Weekly Picks:

1. The entire album 'Ocean Eyes' - Owl City

My newest obsession, without a doubt. A really cool guy named Dustin introduced me to this music recently. It's just one guy, Adam Young, and he's amazing - such a pure voice. His lyrics are witty and smart and real, and the electronica-meets-pop style is just what everybody needs a bit more of. Favorites on the album: Hello Seattle, On the Wing, The Bird and the Worm, If my Heart was a House, Meteor Shower, Umbrella Beach.

2. Candy in the Sun - Swirl 360

From the soundtrack to Never Been Kissed, this song has one of my favorite choruses. There's something about the melody that I've adored since the first time I heard it.

3. Just Pretend - The Bens

The supergroup: Ben Kweller, Ben Folds, and Ben Lee. These guys toured together in Australia in 2003, and this is the best song off their collaborative album, in my opinion.

4. And So It Goes - Billy Joel

Takes me back to showchoir 2004-2005. King of the Ivory Keys, Billy Joel will not let you down with this beautiful, heart-breaking ballad.

5. Untouched - The Veronicas

I saw these sassy twins last year in Cashvegas, and knew I loved them from Moment One. This super techno song is GREAT for a poppin' work out mix.

6. I Will Follow You Into The Dark - Death Cab for Cutie

A true love song.

7. Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear

Another cool kid, Jake, played this music for me recently. I would highly recommend giving this a listen. While you're at it, check out the whole album, Veckatimest

8. Que 'Onda Guero - Beck

From his album, Guero, this song demonstrates the true essence of Beck as a songwriter.

9. Just Because - Jane's Addiction

Also from 2003, this is one of the greatest songs by the rock band, who actually reunited for second time last year. Lots of electric. Also great to run to!

10. Everytime - Donavon Frankenreiter

Very similar to Jack Johnson, which is fitting, because they are great friends, and Donavon sings on Jack's label. A nice song - he can sing it to me any day he wants ;)

Weekly Picks

A little adventure. I put my iTunes on random, and here are the first 10 songs that played, barring one MCAT Audio File. I love all of them, and maybe someone else will, too :)

1. Alabama - Cross Canadian Ragweed

About as country as I'll go, this song is definitely a good southern rock classic in the making.

2. Get It Like You Like It - Ben Harper

This is off his album Both Sides of the Gun from '06, and I love it as much now as I did then.

3. Revelation Song - Kari Jobe

Funny that this song came up - I actually sang it yesterday at Resonate! It's such a gorgeous song, and Kari has a true spirit of worship. I really encourage you to check this one out!

4. I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You) - John Mayer

John Mayer, honest as always.

5. What Would You Say - Dave Matthews Band

This song has sweet guitar leads, and there are wonderful sax and harmonica solos towards the end. With Carter Beauford's  drumming and Dave's distinct voice, this is a treasure of the DMB collection.

6. Beautiful - Shawn McDonald

Last summer at Kamp, the Lord used this song to romance me in a way I'd never experienced before. Needless to say, it's been dear to my heart ever since.

7. Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac

CLASSIC. Fleetwood Mac is a band that will never go out of style, and this song is a testament to that. Also - Guitar hero! 

8. Prague - Damien Rice

He's Irish.

9. The Dress Looks Nice On You - Sufjan Stevens

Another Sufjan song that will steal your heart.

10. Associated - Ben Rector

A fellow Kanakuk guy, Ben Rector is the real deal. This song is off his sophomore album, Songs that Duke Wrote. It is nice, light pop rock that is very catchy and fun.

Start of something new (cue Zac Efron)

Okay - I'm starting something new, and I am really excited about it!

I love lists, and I love music. It hit me that if I combine the two, I would have lists of music (novel, huh?). Now, it's also one of my favorite things to share music with people and advocate artists who, in my humble opinion, are worthy of said advocacy. Put all of this together, and you have Leigh's Weekly Picks. 

From now on, each Monday, I'll post a little list of what I've been listening to recently, and hopefully, someone will take my word and check out something good. 

NOTE: I by no means consider myself an expert, just one who appreciates.

Also, I am a huge proponent of iTunes Music Store, and would encourage everyone to get their music through here, or in stores. DO NOT DOWNLOAD ILLEGALLY - PLEASE! You are doing the musicians a disservice, and to be frank, piracy doesn't stand up morally. So, keep that in mind, sweet friends :) 

Let's get this started, shall we?

Leigh's Weekly Picks:

1. The entire album The Outsiders - NEEDTOBREATHE

This album was recently released on August 25, 2009. With 14 songs, it is an album that you can easily put on loop and listen to several times through without getting bored or having to deal with a single "dud" track. My personal favorites: 'Something Beautiful', 'Prisoner', 'Girl Named Tennesse', 'The Outsiders', and 'Hurricane'.

2. Be Here Now - Ray Lamontagne

A very soothing, marine-like feel. His voice sneaks in and out of the music, making this wonderful study music.

3. Catch My Disease - Ben Lee

An honest guy with a cool accent. Such a great feel good song that will put a little bounce in your step and a little smile on your face.

4. Feeling Good - Michael Buble's version

If anyone can sing, it's Michael. With a jazzy brass edge to this classic song, MB brings it to the forefront of many of my Happy Playlists.

5. Plan B - Mute Math

This is one of my favorite jam-out-in-the-car songs.

6. Romulus - Sufjan Stevens

With a sweet banjo line, you're in for a real treat with this song. His voice is soft and sweet, and can serve has great background music on a fine evening.

7. Infancy of Us - Eliot Morris

I first heard Eliot Morris, also known as the lead of Parker's Back, in the 9th grade, opening in Auburn for a Sugar Ray concert. Don't judge, it was free. Anyway, I knew immediately that I liked his music, and bought his cd the next morning. This ballad is acoustic and honest and beautiful.

8. In Other Words - Ben Kweller

Old, but still amazing, and definitely one of my favorite piano songs.

9. November was white, December was grey - Say Hi

Has a beautiful syncopated beat. The vocals are warm and sometimes slurred in a cool way.

10. Your Love Never Changes - Paul Wright

His style is reminiscent of Shawn McDonald, but perhaps a bit more upbeat and poppy. This song will have you singing along and dancing in no time.

Hope you enjoy this music! Tune in next time ;) for another round of Leigh's Weekly Picks!

Music is what feelings sound like

A few days ago, my roomie Natalie shared a youtube video with me. Now I want to share it with you.

A man named Jon Schmidt, an American pianist, composed an arrangement of Taylor Swift's Love Story and Coldplay's Viva la Vida. I've never been a huge fan of Taylor Swift, but I do like this song, and the way he plays is wonderful. He goes right into Coldplay, and it fits so well. He also has cello accompaniment. It's really beautiful music.

In the video, he might look a bit silly at times, but I love the way he feels the music. Being a pianist myself, I really appreciate his work. It inspires me! I want a grand piano, and I want to just play it all day long - and create! Maybe one day...

Well, here's the video. Hope you enjoy it!

The heart is a bloom...

I think today merits a weather blog. I mean - WOW! I woke up this morning and spent some quality time with my Man, a cup of cereal, and some soy milk in the chair by our front window, but it wasn't until I stepped outside that I realized just how glorious a day the Lord had made!!! Well, everyday that we are blessed with is a glorious one simply because it means another day with our Creator, but today was especially amazing :)

And honestly, I've been giddy since 7:30 this morning because of the premature Fall weather. I know, trust me I know, it probably won't stay this perfect through the season. It's bound to heat up again. But I relished it with all my heart.

Emily and I walk to our 8:00 class together MWF's, and it is such a sweet time. Today, I couldn't stop smiling/giggling/carrying on about the weather, and Emily was just incredible for putting up with me.

Another highlight of my day was lunch with my boyfrands. I have an hour break MWF's at 11, and Jacob and Lee do too, so the three of us went to Momma G's and hung out. It was nice getting to see them since I don't ever get to enough.

This afternoon, I spent time with one of my very favorite families - the McClains. I kept the kids while Em ran errands, and got to visit with her some too. It is always a blessing to spend time with my dear friend, and I always leave there so encouraged!

Finally, the icing on the cake that was this brilliant day - being measured for my BRIDESMAID'S DRESS! That's right. Sarah Bolton is getting married January 9, 2010, and I am so excited for her! Sadly, she was working when I went over to her house, so I didn't get to see her, but we have some hangage pending, and I am really looking forward to it!

Well, my friends, it's my prayer that every one of you found joy today in the weather, and even on yucky days, you have the joy of Jesus Christ!

Starting Again

A new semester. I can't believe it. My junior year in college has commenced. It sounds old, but I don't feel old.

ROOMIES! Rachel, Emily, Natalie and me

Well, things have gotten off on the right foot. Recruitment this year was great. I think every sorority had such a great year, and I'm definitely satisfied with ADPi's new pledge class. We had four Auburn girls find their home with us - Katelyn Boston, Anna Marie Harris, Landrum Isaacson, and Shelby Selman - and I couldn't be more excited! The rest of the class is just as wonderful.

Katelyn's first diamond picture

Ice Water Teas!

All the ADPi's that live in the Castle

Favorite sophomores

Recruitment was also so great because I got to know a lot of girls in my sorority who I'd never really known before. AND I finally saw my roommate from last year, Lauren Keith, who I hadn't seen since January!

Lauren and me :)

Some Auburn girls!

Rachel, La, me and JLee

With my big, Camilla, on her last bid day!

As for classes, I'm taking 17 hours. SEVENTEEN! I've only ever taken 15, so this will be a new adventure, no doubt. I've got Microbiology, Biochemistry I, Statistics for Biological and Health Sciences, Spanish Syntax, and Music Appreciation. With two labs, of course.

I've got a good feeling about this semester. It feels different, that's for sure. Not living on campus is playing a huge role in this feeling. I do love walking to class. I sometimes sweat a lot, but that's okay.

There are also several new things on my plate for this fall. Most of which come from AUMC College Ministry - with Dive and small groups. I'm looking forward to all of it. Lana and I are still leading our sweet d-group girls, who are juniors in high school now. Way crazy.

Well, that's the update! Hope to post again soon :)