Songs That Define Me

I didn't really have any ideas for a blog post today, but then I stumbled across Helene's link-up and it really spoke to me!

"Come link up and tell everyone: What songs define you?"

As a career musician, I jumped out of my seat, did a little fist pump (perfectly shown above), and thought to myself "YUUUUUUUUS!" I can do this! This is totally me! Oh my gosh, how do I ever choose?!

I've devoted more than half of my life to studying music, classical music in particular, but I can tell you in full honesty than nothing touches my heart or life more than music that worships the Lord.

Matt Maher is one of my favorite artists of late. The words, the music....its simplicity and accuracy just speaks to my soul and always perfectly ushers me into a worshipful place in my heart!

Shall we go ahead and just make this a Jesus post? I think I might :)

Christy Nockles...seriously, get it girl! This song is a simple meditation of worship....and to me it defines my life in that no matter what I do (ahem, moving to England, studying the flute, practicing my butt off, etc...) God is forming my life for his purpose and glory. Thank you, Jesus!

Now, lets go ahead and add at least a little bit of culture.... :)

Beautiful, universal, life defining? Yep. I know you've heard "How Great is Our God" but if you haven't heard the world edition....and even if you have... I absolutely promise you that it will be a blessing to your day no matter what your beliefs are :)

I'm pretty sure the list could go on and on. Yes, I love pop music and I seriously enjoy music of all genres but I would have to say in order for any sort of music to actually define me, it needs to be about the glory of the source of music itself, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Currently, with Paige (and giveaway winner!!)

Currently....wanting to wear my new boots all day er' day!!

I HAD to buy them.

I mean...I've been in Texas more than half my life and still didn't have cowboy boots! It was sad, really.

(but now I'm considering returning them because I'm pretty much broke. Bleh.)

Franco Sarto ankle booties 

Currently....mourning my decisions to NOT buy the perfect black motorcycle ankle boots at Marshall's the other day. I can't even find a photo of them online!

I'll never see them again. :(

Currently... re-reading the book of Matthew.

source: Juxtapost

I decided to start reading through the New Testament in order. 

Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever done that before! 

(Does my posting about my love for boots conflict with "do not prioritize temporary things"? Hmm.)

Currently...still recovering from my first encounter with this...

Blue Bell, you've done it again!

Currently...on the search for a fabulous sweater like this to take to England with me.

source: loveitsomuch

The thing is, I live in Texas. The only sweaters I've found out are thin and not cozy enough for my liking!! (Help?!)

Currently....trying to get back in shape. 

I ran THE MOST PATHETIC less than two miles of my life last night. It was terrible. Really really bad.

But, here's a sneak peak of my new hair (not that you can tell....) 

;)

Lastly, CONGRATS to Katie Rice, the winner of our Bayou Accents giveaway! Thanks so everyone who participated!

take five

Just a little brain break today: five faves!

take one

pup in a cup! source: pinterest

take two

sweet summer sandals, source: mnzstore.com

take three

source: french press mornings

take four

celtic knot hair, source: pinterest

take five

DIY diamonds, source: sugar and cloth

enjoy! leave me a comment with some of your current faves :)

Music and Feelings go hand in hand, really...

First of all, if anyone out there cares, I'd like to apologize for being incredibly unreliable (as a blogger at least) for the past week or two....but I guess we've all been living in the same world this past week.

Inconsistency was #1 on my list, by the way.

Reasons?
-Concerts are coming up.
-Research paper is due Tuesday.
-Winston has been here for two weeks (duh, he gets all the attention....)
-Lack of ability to devote my emotions to "worldly" things this week...

"All I know is I'm not home yet

This is not where I belong

Take this world and give me Jesus

This is not where I belong"

These tragedies have affected us all in one way or another. Heck! There was a massive earthquake in China yesterday(?), people!!

Living in Waco, West, TX is affectionately a neighbor town of ours. We love the people, we love the Czech Stop, and we love our faculty, students, and alumni (over 200) that reside in West. The explosion on Wednesday was a truly horrible thing. As Baylor students, we had friends and family from all over the country calling to check on us, but I can't even think of how this affects US when there are so many people seriously hurting 15 miles away.....please think of the little town of  only 3,000 residents and realize that there is NO one living there who was not impacted.

If you are not near Waco, there is still a desperate need for blood donations. And there are also ways to give monetarily. All the displaced need clothes and living supplies, and the kids need school supplies to they can continue their education in a new place. If you are interested in donating, please let me know!

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, mvt. 3

(if you want to hear the rest, which I know you will- the links are in the description on youtube!)

Tonight the Baylor Symphony Orchestra has the privilege of performing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which is considered to be the absolutely pillar of Western classical music.  Above is just a little bit of the heart-wrenchingly beautiful third movement performed by LA Philharmonic. Holy cow, y'all. PLEASE take the time!!

Our orchestra conductor, Mr. Heyde, said it perfectly in our dress rehearsal last night- our country (and others) have experienced tragedy beyond this belief this week, so wide spread. What you might not know is that Beethoven wrote his epic 9th Symphony (which I PROMISE you know, since the fourth movement birthed "Ode to Joy") during a time of tragedy and trauma in Germany in the 1800's, and this 9th Symphony and "Ode to Joy" portrays Beethoven choosing joy in spite of the chaos in the world surrounding him...

How more relevant can we get?! Way to go Beethoven.

To hear the famous "Ode to Joy" in context, skip to a little before 14:00

Now, I hope I'm not boring you with my classical music rants lately, BUT OH MY GOODNESS it is my desire for our generation to recognize the relevance and beauty STILL behind such a sacred art form. 

Maybe I'll get back to more "normal" posts soon.....but y'all this is it. This is my life and my calling and what I plan on pursuing with all my heart.

What has helped you get through this week?

This and That- PINK

Happy Valentine's Day! Whether you have a significant other or not, I hope you take some time love on yourself. You are so special and you deserve to be happy! Today I'm linking up with Jena and Katie for This 'n That Thursday! 
This is Sarah holding our Chuy's margs. Isn't she adorable? Not only is she adorable, but she's the best.
Seriously.

This date was titled Hormones and Happy Hour. I think Sarah came up with name.
*The "hormones" part was me and the "happy" part was Sarah, but she successfully made me happy as well.

That is really bright pink. I ordered it because it was really bright pink. And the nice waiter brought us samples. And the nice waiter maybe brought us samples because they were having a contest of who could sell the most of the really bright pink thing.

This is the necklace I purchased at the Forever 21 (for $6.98) after said Hormones and Happy Hour. 

Definition: retail therapy. Am I right?

Next day went to Target/Tarjay and wanted to buy everything  and bought these super cutie fringe boots that were on clearance ($25)! I've had my eye on boots like this for awhile. Woooooo! 

Ok, I maybe had a rough first half of the week and went shopping two days in a row. BUT, here's to knowing that God has a plan and trusting that life will go according to higher plans. Because my plans just stink.