I love making new memories together!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
A pretty sad looking gingerbread house....
These pictures are from over Christmas break when Jes and I made a gingerbread house togehter.
I love making new memories together!
I love making new memories together!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
This one's for you, Jana...
So, over the weekend, I talked to my brother Patrick, and his wife Jana, and she commented that I hadn't posted in a long time and wanted to see some pictures. Well, unfortunately I haven't taken any in quite a while, but here is a pic of my family the night that Jes and I got engaged.
Also, here is a link to our page on "The Knot". Check us out!
http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/view/co_main.aspx?coupleid=7029044818375315&MsdVisit=1
It's been a while...
Right now, I am sitting in my Communications Law class listening to a debate about 1st Amendment rights.
This is not as exciting as the rest of my life.
It's been a little while...okay, a long while....since I've written on here, so I just want to give an update on all of the amazing things that are going on in my life...all of the extravagant blessings that the Lord is pouring out on me.
As of today, Jes and I have been engaged for 1 month. Time has flown by! I guess to sum up the past month of my life, I will quote Charles Dickens.
"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times!"
The past month has been the best time of my life. I have felt such love, direction, security, acceptance, excitment and numerous other emotions. Jes and I have had such fun planning the wedding, the reception and the honeymoon. But mostly we have enjoyed planning our life together after we get married. (By the way...214 days and counting!)
On the other hand, the past month has been so hard for us. Each time we have to leave each other gets harder and harder. It makes living day to day life so hard knowing that so many great things are awaiting us. But I have to keep reminding myself that God's timing is perfect and that He still has a plan and a purpose for this season of my life.
So...in other areas of my life...
School is in full swing, and is taking up a lot of time. I am doing a lot of writing, but it's not as bad as I was expecting.
Worship team is going great! Our guitar player has taken over some of the administrative duties that I was handling, which has been a great help with so much school this semester. The past few weeks, we have really felt the Holy Spirit's presence during our worship service, and I have been so humbled that God is using me as a part of this amazing group of musicians and worshipppers.
Well, that's it for now.
I'll try to update soon.
This is not as exciting as the rest of my life.
It's been a little while...okay, a long while....since I've written on here, so I just want to give an update on all of the amazing things that are going on in my life...all of the extravagant blessings that the Lord is pouring out on me.
As of today, Jes and I have been engaged for 1 month. Time has flown by! I guess to sum up the past month of my life, I will quote Charles Dickens.
"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times!"
The past month has been the best time of my life. I have felt such love, direction, security, acceptance, excitment and numerous other emotions. Jes and I have had such fun planning the wedding, the reception and the honeymoon. But mostly we have enjoyed planning our life together after we get married. (By the way...214 days and counting!)
On the other hand, the past month has been so hard for us. Each time we have to leave each other gets harder and harder. It makes living day to day life so hard knowing that so many great things are awaiting us. But I have to keep reminding myself that God's timing is perfect and that He still has a plan and a purpose for this season of my life.
So...in other areas of my life...
School is in full swing, and is taking up a lot of time. I am doing a lot of writing, but it's not as bad as I was expecting.
Worship team is going great! Our guitar player has taken over some of the administrative duties that I was handling, which has been a great help with so much school this semester. The past few weeks, we have really felt the Holy Spirit's presence during our worship service, and I have been so humbled that God is using me as a part of this amazing group of musicians and worshipppers.
Well, that's it for now.
I'll try to update soon.
Friday, January 05, 2007
We're Engaged!
On Saturday, December 30 my beautiful girlfriend Jes agreed to marry me.We got engaged in Richmond overlooking the downtown buildings and then met our parents for dinner at Maggiano's.
This picture was taken when we walked up the stairs at the restaurant. I surprised Jes by asking her parents to drive up from North Carolina and meet us after I proposed. Jes was so surprised. It was such a special time to share with one another and our families.
Less than a week into our engagement we already have quite a few plans made, I am very excited as we move forward and progress into a new stage of life together.
We are planning a September wedding, which seems like a lifetime away, but will allow us time to get things ready, and for me to finish school and move down to NC.
I just wanted to share my exciting news!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Zoolander face!
This picture is from this past weekend. It is our best attempt at Zoolander's pose, "Magnum" (not to be confused with "Blue Steel")!My friend Megan's 1 month old baby does a much better version!...it's adorable and quite hilarious!
Jes came up to Richmond this weekend. It was a wonderful time! We did a lot of things in the short time that she was here. We went out to eat several times, she came to my band practice with me, and she got to meet some more of my friends.
On Saturday, we went canoeing on the lake beihind my house. It was really cold, so we got all bundled up and went down to the lake. After we got out on the lake, we realized that part of the water had ice on top, so we tested fate and went through the ice. It was really fun.
We also decorated my family's Christmas tree, a lot of good memories were made.
The best part of the weekend was knowing that I get to see her again in only 3 days!!!
I will be going down to NC for her graduation on Wednesday...I can't wait!
I will be going down to NC for her graduation on Wednesday...I can't wait!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
It's better to give than to recieve...
I wrapped my first Christmas presents tonight. I always like to be the first one in my family to put presents under the tree.
Jes is coming up tomorrow, so instead of trying to find somewhere to hide the presents that I have already gotten for her, I just decided to wrap them and put them under the tree. I think I did a very good job, they look really nice. I used a gift bag that I bought at Target that has a black and white snow scene on it, and then some red and gold wrapping paper.
Wrapping presents has always been such a favorite part of the Christmas season for me. Well really, every aspect of giving gifts really makes me excited. My family has always focused on the "giving" aspect of gifts rather than the "getting". And I can honestly say that when Christmas rolls around, I will get more joy out of watching my family un-wrap the presents that I have for them than any of my own.
Don't be fooled. I am not this amazingly unselfish person. I need to implement this giving, selfless attitude into my everyday life more...I think God wants us to be like this more than just at Christmas.
Why? Because that is how Christ was. He gave constantly to those around Him. He was always focused and attentive to the needs of all people, their spiritual and practical needs.
I am challenged to do more than give gifts to my famliy, but to give of my time, my money, and my energy to help meet the spiritual and practical needs of those around me.
Take a look around you today. Is there more you could do?
Jes is coming up tomorrow, so instead of trying to find somewhere to hide the presents that I have already gotten for her, I just decided to wrap them and put them under the tree. I think I did a very good job, they look really nice. I used a gift bag that I bought at Target that has a black and white snow scene on it, and then some red and gold wrapping paper.
Wrapping presents has always been such a favorite part of the Christmas season for me. Well really, every aspect of giving gifts really makes me excited. My family has always focused on the "giving" aspect of gifts rather than the "getting". And I can honestly say that when Christmas rolls around, I will get more joy out of watching my family un-wrap the presents that I have for them than any of my own.
Don't be fooled. I am not this amazingly unselfish person. I need to implement this giving, selfless attitude into my everyday life more...I think God wants us to be like this more than just at Christmas.
Why? Because that is how Christ was. He gave constantly to those around Him. He was always focused and attentive to the needs of all people, their spiritual and practical needs.
I am challenged to do more than give gifts to my famliy, but to give of my time, my money, and my energy to help meet the spiritual and practical needs of those around me.
Take a look around you today. Is there more you could do?
Friday, December 01, 2006
4 dinners to celebrate 5 months...
4 dinners are sitting on the kitchen counter right now.
I have my choice between vegetable soup, roast beef, chicken pot pie, or some sort of caserole.
My mom had knee surgery today, and so came an influx of food. It's a very nice thing, but I guess people don't realize that the Crisp men are very capable in the kitchen!
So I wanted to blog to say how incredibly proud I am of Jes. She finished college this week. She won't actually graduate for a few weeks, but she is done with undergrad classes. I am so proud of what she has accomplished. She finished in 3 1/2 years! and she even transferred! AMAZING! She is so smart, it just blows my mind.
As of today, we have been together for 5 months. We were talking about it last night, and It's funny how things can seem like such a long time and yet not at the same time. On one hand, it feels as if we have been together for such a long time (in fact, it's hard to remember my life before we were together), but on the other hand, these 5 months have flown by!
I am so excited to enter this Holiday season with her. I am so blessed that God has brought us together and given us such a strong bond. I have learned so much over the past months, and I feel like I am beginning to understand how to love and be loved.
So here's to our 5 months, and Jes' graduation!!
I have my choice between vegetable soup, roast beef, chicken pot pie, or some sort of caserole.
My mom had knee surgery today, and so came an influx of food. It's a very nice thing, but I guess people don't realize that the Crisp men are very capable in the kitchen!
So I wanted to blog to say how incredibly proud I am of Jes. She finished college this week. She won't actually graduate for a few weeks, but she is done with undergrad classes. I am so proud of what she has accomplished. She finished in 3 1/2 years! and she even transferred! AMAZING! She is so smart, it just blows my mind.
As of today, we have been together for 5 months. We were talking about it last night, and It's funny how things can seem like such a long time and yet not at the same time. On one hand, it feels as if we have been together for such a long time (in fact, it's hard to remember my life before we were together), but on the other hand, these 5 months have flown by!
I am so excited to enter this Holiday season with her. I am so blessed that God has brought us together and given us such a strong bond. I have learned so much over the past months, and I feel like I am beginning to understand how to love and be loved.
So here's to our 5 months, and Jes' graduation!!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Words of comfort and encouragement...
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Psalm 71:14-21
"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again."
"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Psalm 71:14-21
"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again."
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Waiting for the winds to converge...
Jes and I have been reading, Jesus, the One and Only by Beth Moore in preparation for the Christmas season.
Earlier this week, I was struck by a comment she made.
"When the winds of heaven converge with the winds of earth, lightning is bound to strike."
Wow.
May we constantly seek for our winds, the activities of our lives, to converge with those of the Kingdom of God.
Earlier this week, I was struck by a comment she made.
"When the winds of heaven converge with the winds of earth, lightning is bound to strike."
Wow.
May we constantly seek for our winds, the activities of our lives, to converge with those of the Kingdom of God.
Thanksgiving Family Pictures
giving to my Flickr site.
Check them out.
Random Thoughts
Photography on Flickr.
This picture is on of my brother Patrick and his wife Jana. I thought it turned out nicely, after some Photoshop tweaking.
Check them out.
Random Thoughts
Photography on Flickr.
This picture is on of my brother Patrick and his wife Jana. I thought it turned out nicely, after some Photoshop tweaking.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Kansas Thanksgiving
I spent Thanksgiving weekend with my family in Kansas. It was very bittersweet. It was the first holiday without my Grandpa, which was hard for all of us, but it was especially hard watching my Grandma as she continues to grieve and deal with the loss.
It was sweet, because my brother Patrick and his wife, Jana, announced to the family that they are pregnant. YAY!
Times like these really make you aware of the gift of life. It is so sweet and so short.
It's kind of strange to think about being an uncle. This little baby will be the first in the next generation of my family. A whole new dynamic is yet to be discovered.
Sadly, Jes and I weren't able to spend Thanksgiving together, but we're really excited because we are going to be able to spend a lot of time together during the next month. It's gonna be great!
I did get to spend time with Jes' family a few weekends ago. Her sister hosted a pre-Thanksgiving dinner so it was great spending that time with her parents, grandparents, sister, and brother-in-law.
I am so incredibly thankful for the acceptance and support that Jes and I have recieved from both of our families.
I want to send a "shout out" to my grandparents who finally got a computer that will allow them to check out my blog periodically.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Unity...It's a good thing!
Tonight I have worship band practice. It will be different from any practice we've had. Not only are all of my band members going to be back (the first time in 2 months!), but we will be meeting with the church choir and the sound team.
This past weekend, the Lord laid on the heart of one of our vocalists that there was a lack of unity between the different music ministries at our church, which in all honesty is a very true statement.
I have been very humbled this week as I have looked at myself and my attitude toward other people. I will be the first one to admit that I have made sarcastic comments or rolled my eyes about our choir on more than one occassion....this should not be!
Who am I to think that I am better than anyone else? Who am I to think that "my" ministry is more important that any other ministry? Who am I to take ownership of anything?
I am very excited about the meeting tonight, because I want to express my desire to honor and glorify God in unity. I am confident that the collective desire is to help lead the congregation into the presence of God, in a way that is the least distracting to anyone.
What an honor it is to be able to serve the Lord through music. I take it forgranted.
It is always so exciting when people come together in unity; when it is very obvious that the Holy Spirit is leading us. It is also very exciting to me that all of this didn't stem from a conflict. I think that conflict resolution is so amazing, but it's even better when we can put aside our differences and come together BEFORE there is a conflict.
I think God likes it when we are pro-active rather than just re-active!
This past weekend, the Lord laid on the heart of one of our vocalists that there was a lack of unity between the different music ministries at our church, which in all honesty is a very true statement.
I have been very humbled this week as I have looked at myself and my attitude toward other people. I will be the first one to admit that I have made sarcastic comments or rolled my eyes about our choir on more than one occassion....this should not be!
Who am I to think that I am better than anyone else? Who am I to think that "my" ministry is more important that any other ministry? Who am I to take ownership of anything?
I am very excited about the meeting tonight, because I want to express my desire to honor and glorify God in unity. I am confident that the collective desire is to help lead the congregation into the presence of God, in a way that is the least distracting to anyone.
What an honor it is to be able to serve the Lord through music. I take it forgranted.
It is always so exciting when people come together in unity; when it is very obvious that the Holy Spirit is leading us. It is also very exciting to me that all of this didn't stem from a conflict. I think that conflict resolution is so amazing, but it's even better when we can put aside our differences and come together BEFORE there is a conflict.
I think God likes it when we are pro-active rather than just re-active!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Showing off her handiwork!
Showing off her handiwork!
Originally uploaded by random thoughts photography.
Last weekend was another great time with my girl. Jes came up to Richmond on Friday - when she got here, we immediately got ready to go out. I had planned to take her to a dinner-theater that is about an hour away. We went to see the musical "Cats".
For some reason, I've never really felt like I would see that show, but since it was playing, I thought it would be a fun date. It was. The show was good....not the best, but the music was good, and the cast could really dance. It was fun getting all dressed up and going out together. Hopefully we will get to do that more often.
We spent Saturday with my parents. My mom had been wanting to go to Williamsburg for a while to check out the new Yankee Candle factory. We drove down and spent a few hours just walking around. The store was pretty cool. They even had artificial snow falling in one area.
Sunday Jes played with me at church again. This Sunday 3 of my band members were out, so it was great having her help. She is so talented and I am so amazed by everything that she does. It's so exciting to me that we share the same passion for music and worship. We were both very blessed by the opportunity to lead worship together.
Sunday afternoon, we went to see The Prestige. Good movie. I recommend it!
We came home and made dinner in my parents' newly remodeled kitchen. We made shrimp fajitas and Jes made a delicious berry pie for dessert.
We always have such an amazing time together, just doing every-day activities.
There are pictures up on my Flickr site now from our trip down to SWU and from this weekend.
Check 'em out!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Changing leaves and an update
It has been a while hasn't it?
Life seems to move at such a rapid pace these days. Sometimes I get so caught up in the activity of it all that I forget to stop and enjoy the ride.
It's kind of like the changing of seasons. I hadn't even noticed that the leaves were changing colors until I was driving down 85 to visit Jes at the end of last week. I left on Thursday and got a late start, which always stresses me out. I found myself driving down the interstate, frustrated that I was behind schedule, and thinking about all of the things that we were going to do over the weekend when I so clearly heard God speaking to my heart, "Stop. Quit thinking, and just enjoy the beauty of my creation." Wow. What an eye-opener. God is painting such a beautiful picture before our eyes, and it changes every day...every minute. We get so wraped up with our work, our relationships, our errands, our worries, our concerns, that we forget to enjoy the beautiful splendor of all that He has made for us.
The weekend was full and busy. I picked up Jes in Greensboro and then we headed down to South Carolina to visit some of our friends at SWU. Our time there was very bitter-sweet. I feel like I've changed so much since I left there last year. Sometimes it is very hard to go back to a place and spend time with people who don't really know the person that you are, only the person that you were in the past. But we had a good time together.
I have decided that one of my favorite things to do is driving with Jes. On our way to her parents house on Saturday, we drove past so many people who looked so somber and were not enjoying their time together. I felt so badly for all of those people and wished that they could find joy out of something as routine and ordinary as driving.
We were able to spend great time with Jes' parents on Saturday and Sunday. It is truly such a blessing to have the support, input, and guidance of both her parents and mine. Our families are very similar and I feel so at home there.
The best part of the weekend came on Monday, when I was supposed to go home, but decided to stay and go up to her school and spend a little more time together. We went to a coffee shop near her campus and spent a few hours just talking and being close to one another. It was so wonderful to just relax and not worry about anything, but just focus on each other and God.
This weekend was so wonderful and I feel so great about everything that lies ahead. My focus has been brought back to where it needs to be...I have a renewed sense of commitment to go deeper with my relationship with God and to truly seek to honor and glorify Him, not only in our relationship, but in every aspect of my life.
No matter what you're doing today....whatever you have on your plate. Take time to stop and enjoy the season. The clean, crisp air of fall makes me feel so alive, and the colors remind us that change can be beautiful.
Life seems to move at such a rapid pace these days. Sometimes I get so caught up in the activity of it all that I forget to stop and enjoy the ride.
It's kind of like the changing of seasons. I hadn't even noticed that the leaves were changing colors until I was driving down 85 to visit Jes at the end of last week. I left on Thursday and got a late start, which always stresses me out. I found myself driving down the interstate, frustrated that I was behind schedule, and thinking about all of the things that we were going to do over the weekend when I so clearly heard God speaking to my heart, "Stop. Quit thinking, and just enjoy the beauty of my creation." Wow. What an eye-opener. God is painting such a beautiful picture before our eyes, and it changes every day...every minute. We get so wraped up with our work, our relationships, our errands, our worries, our concerns, that we forget to enjoy the beautiful splendor of all that He has made for us.
The weekend was full and busy. I picked up Jes in Greensboro and then we headed down to South Carolina to visit some of our friends at SWU. Our time there was very bitter-sweet. I feel like I've changed so much since I left there last year. Sometimes it is very hard to go back to a place and spend time with people who don't really know the person that you are, only the person that you were in the past. But we had a good time together.
I have decided that one of my favorite things to do is driving with Jes. On our way to her parents house on Saturday, we drove past so many people who looked so somber and were not enjoying their time together. I felt so badly for all of those people and wished that they could find joy out of something as routine and ordinary as driving.
We were able to spend great time with Jes' parents on Saturday and Sunday. It is truly such a blessing to have the support, input, and guidance of both her parents and mine. Our families are very similar and I feel so at home there.
The best part of the weekend came on Monday, when I was supposed to go home, but decided to stay and go up to her school and spend a little more time together. We went to a coffee shop near her campus and spent a few hours just talking and being close to one another. It was so wonderful to just relax and not worry about anything, but just focus on each other and God.
This weekend was so wonderful and I feel so great about everything that lies ahead. My focus has been brought back to where it needs to be...I have a renewed sense of commitment to go deeper with my relationship with God and to truly seek to honor and glorify Him, not only in our relationship, but in every aspect of my life.
No matter what you're doing today....whatever you have on your plate. Take time to stop and enjoy the season. The clean, crisp air of fall makes me feel so alive, and the colors remind us that change can be beautiful.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Napoleon Dynamite and The Beatitudes
After three long weeks, I get to spend another weekend with Jes. I am very excited to share a few more days with her. I'll give an update in a few days about our weekend together.
I am in the middle of a couple of projects for school right now. I am editing my first radio series, and am designing a few logos. It's very exciting to learn new skills...because girls only want boyfriends who have great skills...you know numchuck skills, bow-hunting skills, computer hacking skills...I guess audio editing and graphic design are almost as dorky.
Wow...Napoleon. Good times.
For those of you who didn't know, last fall, my friend Carolyn and I learned the dance from the movie and won $250 at SWU's infamous "skit night"...it was a blast. I definitely don't think I could remember much of it now....probably a good thing!
It's hard to believe that was almost a year ago. My life sure has changed in the past year. I really never would've imagined that I would be where I am now, dating such an amazing girl, leading worship at my church, going to VCU...God is so good. He gives us what we need before we ever know it is our deepest desire.
Jes and I started reading in Matthew earlier this week and today was the Beatitudes. These words are so powerful, just think on them for a few minutes.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for thiers is the kingdom of heaven."
I love how God's heart and passion for people is so evident in these words. He seeks after those who are down and out. He desires to feed those who hunger. His embrace comforts all who suffer and His grace gives us hope. Hope for a future no matter what our circumstances are today. Hope for acceptance and forgiveness no matter how ugly our sin. Hope for life that is full of joy and fellowship with others. Hope for something meaningful.
Be filled with hope today.
I am in the middle of a couple of projects for school right now. I am editing my first radio series, and am designing a few logos. It's very exciting to learn new skills...because girls only want boyfriends who have great skills...you know numchuck skills, bow-hunting skills, computer hacking skills...I guess audio editing and graphic design are almost as dorky.
Wow...Napoleon. Good times.
For those of you who didn't know, last fall, my friend Carolyn and I learned the dance from the movie and won $250 at SWU's infamous "skit night"...it was a blast. I definitely don't think I could remember much of it now....probably a good thing!
It's hard to believe that was almost a year ago. My life sure has changed in the past year. I really never would've imagined that I would be where I am now, dating such an amazing girl, leading worship at my church, going to VCU...God is so good. He gives us what we need before we ever know it is our deepest desire.
Jes and I started reading in Matthew earlier this week and today was the Beatitudes. These words are so powerful, just think on them for a few minutes.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for thiers is the kingdom of heaven."
I love how God's heart and passion for people is so evident in these words. He seeks after those who are down and out. He desires to feed those who hunger. His embrace comforts all who suffer and His grace gives us hope. Hope for a future no matter what our circumstances are today. Hope for acceptance and forgiveness no matter how ugly our sin. Hope for life that is full of joy and fellowship with others. Hope for something meaningful.
Be filled with hope today.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Bad experience turns good
Sometimes God can use our mistakes to work to our advantage.
This happened in my life yesterday. I got out of my afternoon class early and decided to go down a few blocks to Barnes & Noble to hang out in the Cafe' and check out some new music before my evening class started at 7 p.m. For some reason, being in Barnes & Noble always makes me feel happy, especially when I have time to listen to some CDs, flip through the newest edition of Paste Magazine, and sip on some Iced Chai.
I left Barnes & Noble around 6:15 with plenty of time to spare, and so I decided to take the "scenic" route back to class.
I'll skip ahead and then come back to the good part.
So I got to my class around 6:40 and several of my classmates were sitting in the hall outside...So I sat down and started chatting away. At about 6:50, I said, "Is there a reason that we're sitting outside the class?" and they then informed me that we were donig a one-on-one quiz with the professor. I asked why he decided to start early....It was then that I remembered that my class actually starts at 6 p.m. not 7 p.m. Yeah...I felt like an idiot! I was still able to take the quiz, however, I had points taken off for being late...oh well.
The good part of the story is that on my way back to my class, I ran into a reporter for the newspaper that I worked for last summer. We talked for a while about our lives and such and eventually we talked about my frustrations with not having enough time to actually work this semester and gain more experience. She told me that there may be opportunity for me to work as a freelance writer for the local paper in my home-town.
Skip ahead to today...a few minutes ago, my cell phone rang and I didn't recognize the number. It was the Managing Editor at the paper, and I am now a freelance writer for Media General's Richmond Suburban Newspapers.
Not only is this a great opportunity to gain experience around my busy schedule, but I will also be paid for every story that I write.
I'm stoked.
This happened in my life yesterday. I got out of my afternoon class early and decided to go down a few blocks to Barnes & Noble to hang out in the Cafe' and check out some new music before my evening class started at 7 p.m. For some reason, being in Barnes & Noble always makes me feel happy, especially when I have time to listen to some CDs, flip through the newest edition of Paste Magazine, and sip on some Iced Chai.
I left Barnes & Noble around 6:15 with plenty of time to spare, and so I decided to take the "scenic" route back to class.
I'll skip ahead and then come back to the good part.
So I got to my class around 6:40 and several of my classmates were sitting in the hall outside...So I sat down and started chatting away. At about 6:50, I said, "Is there a reason that we're sitting outside the class?" and they then informed me that we were donig a one-on-one quiz with the professor. I asked why he decided to start early....It was then that I remembered that my class actually starts at 6 p.m. not 7 p.m. Yeah...I felt like an idiot! I was still able to take the quiz, however, I had points taken off for being late...oh well.
The good part of the story is that on my way back to my class, I ran into a reporter for the newspaper that I worked for last summer. We talked for a while about our lives and such and eventually we talked about my frustrations with not having enough time to actually work this semester and gain more experience. She told me that there may be opportunity for me to work as a freelance writer for the local paper in my home-town.
Skip ahead to today...a few minutes ago, my cell phone rang and I didn't recognize the number. It was the Managing Editor at the paper, and I am now a freelance writer for Media General's Richmond Suburban Newspapers.
Not only is this a great opportunity to gain experience around my busy schedule, but I will also be paid for every story that I write.
I'm stoked.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Fall Playlist
A few days ago, my friend Candice blogged a list of wonderful songs for the fall season. She inspired me to make my own list.
For the past 4 years, I have made a mix every summer and listen to it all summer long. When I read her post I thought, "Why not every season?"...SO, the plan is to make a compilation every season from now on.
I have to admit that I stole some artist and/or song ideas from Candice...what can I say? If you have good taste, people want to copy you. And if anyone has good taste/style, it's Candice!
So here it is:
Neon...John Mayer
The City...Milosh
How We Operate...Gomez
Waiting Line...Zero 7
Walnut Tree...Keane
I Don't Trust Myself...John Mayer
Nowhere Warm...Kate Havnevik
Strange and Beautiful...Aqualung
Somersault...Zero 7
I Drive Alone...Esthero
Chasing Cars...Snow Patrol
Against All Odds...Postal Service
Hopeless...Train
Colors...Amos Lee
Cannonball...Damien Rice
How to Save a Life...The Fray
Nos Da Cariad...David Gray
Let Go...Frou Frou
Grace....Kate Havnevik
The Scientist...Coldplay
I have a silly habit of thinking about my life like a movie. Sometimes I hear a song and think...that song should be on the soundtrack to my life. These are just a few of those songs.
For the past 4 years, I have made a mix every summer and listen to it all summer long. When I read her post I thought, "Why not every season?"...SO, the plan is to make a compilation every season from now on.
I have to admit that I stole some artist and/or song ideas from Candice...what can I say? If you have good taste, people want to copy you. And if anyone has good taste/style, it's Candice!
So here it is:
Neon...John Mayer
The City...Milosh
How We Operate...Gomez
Waiting Line...Zero 7
Walnut Tree...Keane
I Don't Trust Myself...John Mayer
Nowhere Warm...Kate Havnevik
Strange and Beautiful...Aqualung
Somersault...Zero 7
I Drive Alone...Esthero
Chasing Cars...Snow Patrol
Against All Odds...Postal Service
Hopeless...Train
Colors...Amos Lee
Cannonball...Damien Rice
How to Save a Life...The Fray
Nos Da Cariad...David Gray
Let Go...Frou Frou
Grace....Kate Havnevik
The Scientist...Coldplay
I have a silly habit of thinking about my life like a movie. Sometimes I hear a song and think...that song should be on the soundtrack to my life. These are just a few of those songs.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
"Unashamed"
Here are the lyrics to a song that really spoke to me this morning.
"Unashamed"
by Starfield
I have not much to offer You,
Not near what you deserve
But still I come because Your cross
has placed in me my worth
I kow I'm weak,
I know I'm unworthy
to call upon Your name
But because of grace,
because of Your mercy,
I stand here unashamed
Oh, Christ, My King of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends to call me friend
Your mercy sets me free
I know I'm weak,
I know I'm unworthy
to call upon Your name
But because of grace,
because of Your mercy,
I stand here unashamed
I can't explain this kind of love
I'm humbled and amazed
that You'd come down from heaven's heights
and greet me face to face
I know I'm weak,
I know I'm unworthy
to call upon Your name
But because of grace,
because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed
Here I am,
at Your feet
In my brokeness complete
"Unashamed"
by Starfield
I have not much to offer You,
Not near what you deserve
But still I come because Your cross
has placed in me my worth
I kow I'm weak,
I know I'm unworthy
to call upon Your name
But because of grace,
because of Your mercy,
I stand here unashamed
Oh, Christ, My King of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends to call me friend
Your mercy sets me free
I know I'm weak,
I know I'm unworthy
to call upon Your name
But because of grace,
because of Your mercy,
I stand here unashamed
I can't explain this kind of love
I'm humbled and amazed
that You'd come down from heaven's heights
and greet me face to face
I know I'm weak,
I know I'm unworthy
to call upon Your name
But because of grace,
because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed
Here I am,
at Your feet
In my brokeness complete
Saturday, September 23, 2006
The Mudpie
The Mudpie
Originally uploaded by random thoughts photography.
This photo of mine was chosen to be in the Schmap Chattanooga Guide. I had never heard of this before, but apparently several cities have this sort of online map and listing of places to be.
I think it's kind of neat to have one of my pictures chosen for something like this, even though there was no benefit to me, it's still pretty cool.
They did however, provide me with a link that I have put on my sidebar that allows my readers to download the Schmap guides...check 'em out, they're kind of cool!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Weekend Update...
Yellow Jacket
Originally uploaded by random thoughts photography.
This is a picture from my weekend in North Carolina with Jes.
Check out the rest of them here. There are only a few and most are from our trip to visit the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.
I had such an amazing time with Jes and her parents. I was so much looking forward to being able to spend some more time with Jes' parents and get to know them a little bit better. They are such amazing people, and I have been amazed at how willingly they accept me and have really been encouraging of our relationship. I really feel like I have a second home now in North Carolina.
This weekend, we had such a wonderful time enjoying each other and just some simple things together. We played tennis, went running, went to the Zoo, had some wonderful meals, played Catch Phrase, watched a movie, and just enjoyed being able to be together.
Today was such a great day, despite my major Jes withdrawls. I have such a renewed sense of thankfulness and joy and a strong trust in God.
A year ago, this weekend, I came home and decided to transfer from Southern Wesleyan. It is such a huge blessing to be able to look back on the past year and so clearly see God's hand guiding me to where I am now. I have never been one to appreciate the procees that leads to a result...I'm a huge instant gratification person. BUT, God has given me such a huge thankfulness for the process and the season of growth that He has brought me through in the past year. He is so good. His ways are higher than our ways, and even when I don't understand and the process is hard, I trust that He has a purpose and a plan. I trust that He has a purpose for every season, every trial, every hardship, every good day and every hard day.
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