A Thought

Delighting in God is not a mere preference or option in life; it is our joyful duty and should be the single passion of our lives.

My Heart Is Full

Do you ever have moments in your life when you temporarily disconnect yourself, take a step back, and just marvel at all that the Lord has blessed you with?

This weekend has been filled with those moments!

The past few weeks have been difficult, for a number of reasons, and my faith has been pushed and stretched. I can see how the Lord has been growing me through situations in my life and asking me to cast my burden on him. Not long ago he gave me Psalm 55 and called me to recklessly abandon myself and allow him, and nothing else, to sustain me.

Through these trying times, I still see His hand in my life. Ah, how awesome to intimately know the One, the only one, who will never forsake me! My heart erupts within me at the thought!

The past few days in my life have really been a testament to the Lord's faithfulness. In his word, God promises that we will never be tried beyond our ability, but he will provide a way for us to endure it. Some of the strength he's given me came in the form of precious time with friends, new and old, this weekend. Friends who are also earnestly seeking God and his glory. It was a much welcomed respite from recent troubles.

From Thursday night dinner and Passion with Emily and Jeanna, to a Flashforward party with Amy, Byrd, Chris, Taylor, Dustin, Mary Hester, Paul, and more; from Friday's geocaching adventures and a night of intimate worship at The Edge, to a Saturday of Auburn football with the Jumpsuit Guys; from time with my favorite family, Emily, Guy, Meredith, Hutch, and Kathleen Bess, to Sunday morning worship at AUMC and lunch with Brandon, Kevin, Garrett, Luke, and Chrisavi... it is so clear to me that God placed me in each situation by his divine will, so that I might be encouraged by the fellowship of other believers.

And you know, he is not finished with this current work in my life. Like Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, I am sure that the Lord, who has begun a good work in me, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

He has given me hope. Bring on the trials! I know that God is for me - who can triumph against me, now?

So to all my friends - thank you! Thank you for letting God use each of you minister to me in the simplest of ways.

May your week be filled with the hope of Christ, with rest in the knowledge of our victory in his name, and with abundant blessings! May your heart be open to all that the Lord is teaching you!

Movie Picks

Hello, one and all. I haven't really been listening to any new music lately. I've been stuck on Needtobreathe since the concert, and that's okay, because they are a worthy... adhesive? Nevertheless, I don't have weekly picks for you. At least not songs.

How about movies? I love those things, too.

Here are some of my all-time favorites:

1. Apocalypto - directed by Mel Gibson. It's set toward the end of the Mayan civilization. It's epic. It has subtitles throughout, but don't let that deter you.

2. Roman Holiday - Starring Audrey Hepburn and heartthrob Gregory Peck, this black and white favorite is most definitely a hit. It's set in Rome, as you could probably gather from the title. Audrey's a princess sick of being a princess, Gregory is a reporter looking for a story... and you'll have to watch it to know the rest!

3. Fight Club - Edward Norton and Brad Pitt punching each other alot. Makes for a rather excellent movie. A must see for pyschology students!

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Weird memory-erasing theme. I like this movie because it engages you, makes you think. Jim Carrey plays a very atypical role, for him, and Kate Winslet is phenomenal as always.

5. Legends of the Fall - An epic set in Montana in the early 1900's. Stars Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins. This movie affected me for weeks after I watched it. I loved it so much I immediately went out and bought it.

6. The Departed - The 2006 Academy Award winner for Best Picture. Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin. It's about the Irish mob in Boston and dirty politics. Impeccably made.

7. Hotel Rwanda - True story of a hotelier and his effort to save hundreds during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. It breaks your heart and opens your eyes.

8. Gladiator - What an incredible motion picture! Russell Crowe delivers a fantastic performance as a soldier taken captive and forced to fight in the Coliseum. If you haven't seen this, you're crazy. Go rent it now.

9. Hot Rod - Andy Samberg. Hilarious. The essence of humor.

10. LOTR - This proves my nerdiness, but the trilogy (extended editions, please) are some of the greatest movies of all time. I should clarify. Lord of the Rings. Adapted from J.R.R. Tolkein's greatest works, these epic films of war and grandeur are worth the time (total: 11 hours, 8 minutes).

Enjoy!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

In my dream last night, I was indoors, waiting for the rain to go away, when suddenly, the rain turned to snow. The flakes were huge, the size of quarters at least, and perfectly formed, each one unique. It was quite a sight to behold.

I ran out the front door to the white blanket that had unfolded over all the green, but instead of taking it all in, I was more concerned with finding my camera (I was especially intent on using my digital macro setting) so I could capture the beauty. By the time I found it, the snowflakes had melted.

I think God was trying to tell me something.

I find myself easily caught up in future events, or past events, that I often forget to enjoy the present time that I've been blessed with.

I'm making it my goal to enjoy each day's snowflakes as they come.

Thanks for dreams, Lord.

I'd Rather Pick Flowers Instead Of Fights

It's been awhile since I've posted. I just finished (today) my second round of exams, so my lack of posting can be accredited to the fact that the past two weeks I've had to put my life on hold. Sorry about that.

Lots to report!

The first weekend in October was spent in Birmingham, visiting Sarah and Clay in their very charming new home and going to the NEEDTOBREATHE concert with my roommate, Emily, and other sweet friends! Definitely one of the best concerts I've been to. The Workplay Theater is wonderful and intimate. It was just really nice to spend a few days out of Auburn.

Also, after 6 exams, I still have A's in my classes! That's a miracle! I'm thanking the Lord for that. Let's just hope it stays that way through the end of the semester.

I'm currently working on my spring break plans. It seems crazy to already be thinking about it, but apparently you have to reserve spots pretty far in advance. I'm going to hike part of the Appalachian trail! I'm going with my friends Jeanna, Starlyn, Zach and Alex, thus far. We may recruit one or two more. I'll keep you posted on further AT developments.

And finally, the big news. I finally decorated my wall! I ended up cutting a tree out of felt and just tacking it to the wall along with my Euro photos. All in all, it was a very inexpensive endeavor, costing me a grand total of about $15. And I LOVE it. I still have to cut out the bible verse, but other than that, it's complete! I also hung lanterns over my music area. Here are some photos:

Now, since I've missed two weeks, I feel like I owe you some picks :) This week it's some of the songs on my Recently Played playlist on iTunes. Enjoy.

Briefly:

1. Beautiful - Kari Jobe

2. Sail Away - David Gray

3. Both Hands - Ani Difranco

4. Summerlong - Emm Gryner

5. Two Step - Dave Matthews Band

6. Zebra - John Butler Trio

7. Pretzel Logic - Steely Dan

8. Life in the Fast Lane - The Eagles

9. Learning to Fly - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

10. Never Know - Jack Johnson

No commentary. Just take my word. Also, the website I use for the blog's playlist allows you to listen to songs in their entirety for free. Check it out here! Maybe you can find some of my picks!

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 ;)