Music

I love pursuing music.

I am 100% confident that its what God created me to do.

That's a pretty cool feeling. To know God built you for a very specific purpose and to be able to pursue it. There's plenty of much better musicians, singers, and songwriters out there, and maybe I'll never make it big, but God has opened the doors for me to be able to do it full-time and I'm jumping in. I'm overwhelmed with gratefulness.



I set aside hours every day to brush up on old original material I'll be recording, work on harmonies, listen to some of the legends (Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, etc), try to come up with new songs, and voice training.

The date is set and soon to be released concerning my first recording session. Yeah yeah! :-D
Please pray that The Lord makes it financially possible and that my focus stays on HIM and my music glorifies HIM!

What does it mean to be a Godly woman?

I used to read the last half of Proverbs 31 every day. You know... the section about the virtuous woman? And I'd try to picture a woman today and what she would dress like, act like, what her daily routine would be, how she treated others, how she treated her husband and how she treated other men and women, how she parented, what time she got up in the morning, how disciplined she was etc... And I suppose I always pictured a woman who had it pretty well together with a balanced schedule.

But yesterday while I sat in a Do Hard Things conference and was being taught to do what's right and avoid what's wrong when it hurts I realized what an emotional mess a virtuous woman must be. She's strong because she's knows she's incredibly weak. She gives up things she craves, wants and desires because she puts others before herself. Yeah, she's strong and she perseveres but its because she's so willing to suffer and sacrifice for a greater purpose. A virtuous woman appears like someone who has it together because she's obtained God's peace by accepting that she never will have it together.

That's why this virtuous woman "smiles at the future" while the rest of are panicking over what may or may not happen. She's okay with not knowing, not controlling, not being able to plan her path. She knows life is fleeting and she lives for today.

I'm so thankful God brought this message to my attention, because I DON'T have it together and - praise God - I don't need to!!!

Missions Trip and Life

Its so nice to finally have a chance to blog. Last week I spent six days in Nashville Tennessee serving at Cottage Cove, a Christian facility for kids where we would watch them, play with them, and teach them Bible lessons all day. It was an awesome opportunity!

I've also had the opportunity to be at home the past few days and take a big breather. Its been so busy, and, even though I've loved every minute of it, I was ready to take a break. My parents have been gone for a couple of days on business and I've been taking care of the house and spending my evenings watching movies. Tomorrow its back to normal life though. Lots of school! :)

Practicing Yoga

Yoga, my friends, is a marvelous stress-buster! This Summer, I am doubling up on school (as opposed to taking a break), preparing for a missions trip, leading a Bible study, and joining another worship team. I have a bit on my plate, you see. And I already struggle with anxiety. I've memorized many comforting verses that have helped me through it, but I knew I needed more ways to cope.

So I've started practicing meditation and yoga! Now, I used to be against meditation. I thought it was dangerous because I'd heard some people say that to meditate is to "open your mind" which can be dangerous for a Christian. Not so. I mean, it can be if you do it that way, but when I meditate I make a point of focusing on God. You sit outside with your legs crossed, hands on your knees, open to the sky, eyes closed. Listen to the birds, wind, etc, and focus on God's beautiful creation. It's so relaxing - and healthy.

And then there's yoga. They kind of go hand-in-hand. Most people who are big on Yoga typically meditate too. But doing Yoga for exercise is very relaxing and freeing, and I'm doing it more and more. Both of these things are doing wonders to keep my stress under control. I totally recommend doing them. All right. I need to get started on my homework! (:

Music

I haven't blogged in a while so...

I thought I would. :-)

Lately I've been taking piano lessons from a very patient teacher, and it's been so helpful.

I'm trying to be more disciplined. In every way. Eating habits, school, music practice, exercise, etc...

Anyways... life is good and God is great. I'm outa here.

Salvation

Do you ever get refreshed in your relationship with God? Out of nowhere you're just so excited over what He's done for you?

That's where I am, and it's incredible.

The feeling of a Father who welcomes me back with open arms is new again. Thinking of His grace makes me send up an "I love you Daddy" prayer all the time.

Possibly the most amazing thing I've ever known is that God can forgive a sinner like me.

Thank you Jesus. ♥

Sore throat

I came down with a bit of a cold Monday. With a really bad sore throat. Ugh. This is like my thousandth sore throat. I. Hate. It. Luckily I found a new trick that helps it feel really fast and I can talk a little already (that's a fast recovery for me)

I can't wait to get better and tackle some new music stuff with my dad.
In the meantime I'm laying around watching television. Bleh.

I think I'll catch up on some reading now.

Later...

Livvy