Friday, August 28, 2009

Jason Gray and people in Bowling Green, KY

I haven't talked about him nearly as much as my greatest musical obsession, but my second biggest musical obsession is Jason Gray, labelmate to my aforementioned greatest musical obsession, the band downhere. I got to see him Monday night in Bowling Green, KY.

I of course want to write down my thoughts about JG and the night, but I'm probably going to jump around a lot rather than try to structure them. It'll be a fairly good unedited glimpse into my brain.

The drive one way took about an hour and a half, so of course my brother and I had music playing the whole time. And what was the first thing we listened to that took up most of the drive there? Grits. Their album Dichotomy A, to be specific. Considering the vast musical difference between Jason Gray and Grits I thought it was funny that we chose that particular album to get pumped up for a Jason Gray concert.

JG is a funny, funny man. He never ceases to make me laugh. This time was no exception. I came close to tears a couple of times.

This was only my second time to see him. Kinda hard to believe considering how big of a fan I am. Like the first time I saw him, he was expecting me. But unlike the first time, he recognized me! My brother and I were standing off to the side for a while after the show and then queued up at the end of the line once it had gone down a bit, and as soon as we made it up to him he said, "Hey! You made it!" I was surprised.

Another difference in this time and the last time was the number of songs he played. He was only the opening act the last time I saw him, and therefore played a scant three songs. But this time we got to hear almost a full two hours. And this show was free, as opposed to the nearly $40 I paid for my brother and I to go last time. So all in all, it was indeed a better value.

I have made a pact with myself that if I think about sitting in the front row at all, if I can I am going to do it no matter what. Not one person was sitting in the front row. I didn't notice that until my brother and I had sat down in the middle of the third row. I briefly considered moving, but decided to stay since we were already there. The place we were sitting was good, but I would have liked the front so much more. I do that a lot, not sit in the front and then wish I had. We'll how well my resolve holds up.

This concert was a part of a short tour to promote his new album Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, which releases on Tuesday, September 1st. In these last several weeks leading up to the release, he's been posting songs from the album onto the Internet for people to listen to, and I have been listening to them a lot. Enough that I could sing along to every song, when most people there hadn't heard any of the songs before. And apparently people noticed, because the next day, I had a new friend request on Facebook from someone I didn't talk to but do remember seeing at the concert. She sent me a message that read, "I saw you at the concert last night and you knew every song! Wow!" And then last night, we Facebook chatted and she said something to the effect of, "we were just talking about you," "we" indicating that there was someone else at the concert with her who too noticed my mouth moving, and remembered me enough to talk about me. Wow. And they must have overheard me telling someone I was from Tennessee, because she said they were impressed that I drove so far. (Side note: 1) For Jason Gray, I would travel very long distances, and 2) an hour and a half doesn't qualify as a long distance.) Um, people I've only seen once and have never spoken to in person, who live in a different state than the one I live in, were talking about me. Again, wow. (I imagine this to be what it feels like to be famous.)

Since I am so familiar with his new songs, I kept trying to anticipate what song he was going to play next based on what he was saying. Before most of the songs, I turned to my brother and would whisper a song title. I guessed wrongly only once. I'm good like that. I think my brother may have been slightly annoyed/amused at all my whispers.

I am eagerly awaiting the day when I can get Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue, and I recommend that everyone check it out. I may blog more about the album and the songs once I own them. There's a lot of good stuff to explore there.

The moral of the story is, I had a blast Monday night and JG is one of the greatest things since sliced bread. The end.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Hope is rising.

Last night was dubbed our official kick-off meeting for the youth group at Hope Church. Before I go into details, my initial thoughts are it was wonderful!

In the midst of working most days and trying to get everything together to start school this coming Monday, my brother was trying to plan as best as he could for this thing. And he admitted to feeling a little stressed. And so we went into this thing with many details left not figured out until the last minute and very little time to work them out. But everything went amazingly well despite that. The only thing we didn't do very well, was try to make sure to remind the kids to be there. So about four ended up being there as opposed to the dozen that were there last week. But that was okay. I did find it funny though that what with the band, the other youth leaders, and a few other church members, the room was mostly filled with people over the age of 18. It looked more like a meeting for college students! I had to smile about that.

Oh, and speaking of the band, it was a true testament to the vast talent of everyone that we pulled everything off so swimmingly. We couldn't find much time to rehearse, but everyone jumped in there and picked up on things quickly. My brother picked great songs. There is quite a bit of bias in that statement, because two of them were downhere songs ("Great Are You" and "Hope Is Rising"). But I think even those who aren't fanatical like me enjoyed them. (Side note: This makes three times that my brother and I have sung "Great Are You" in the past three months. We must really like it or something.)

Our pastor came over to my brother and I as soon as things were finished and reminded us like the angel told Zechariah not to despise small beginnings. Not to worry. I quite treasure small beginnings. Games were played. Laughter ensued. Songs were sung. Truth was spoken. A good time was had by all. What more could anyone ask for?

Was this such a good idea after all?

What am I thinking? Am I crazy? I mean...I live on a highway. It's not a big highway, but it's still a highway! If someone's not paying attention, they could hit me! And I'm going to do this everyday? Or at least most everyday? I must be insane.

These were just a few of the thoughts running through my head as I rode my bike to and from MTSU today. It's amazing what I'll do in the name of saving money.

I don't know exactly how far it is from here to there, but I'm pretty sure that roundtrip I ended up riding further than I've ever ridden in my life. Exercise has never been a priority. I'm just never interested. There are a million and one things to do in life, and most them have taken higher priority than exercising. I always do try to think of ways to incorporate a little exercise into everything I do, like climbing stairs instead of using an elevator, but to just exercise for the sake of exercising, while doing nothing else, has not been something I've made a point to do very often. So obviously, I'm not in very good shape. I never have been. Which makes this undertaking that much more of a big deal.

But like I said, I'm not opposed to exercising if I'm accomplishing something else. Like getting to school. And the idea of saving money is also attractive. So despite the grueling experience today, I still intend to ride to school and back as often as I can. I definitely don't want to when the weather is bad. And it's not going to be a good idea once it gets cold, but fortunately I live in the South. So this'll last until October, maybe even early November. And on the days when my first class is at 8:00, I'm going to need to leave by at least 7:30. Which doesn't look appealing. So if I'm extra tired, I may just wimp out and decide to drive. But hopefully over the next few months, I'll make it most everyday.

There's also a recently developed added bonus that I did not consider when I first got this crazy idea. I did think it might be nice for my car to be available for someone to use while I was gone, just in case, because we've been sharing two vehicles between four people going in different directions, but as of today, it is definite that my brother is going to need the car everyday. Because he's going to MTSU, too!! I helped him register this morning! We probably will ride together sometimes, but it worked out that our schedules are completely different. So most of the time when he needs to be on campus, I won't, and when I need to be there, he won't. I think we have one class that overlaps. So it will be nice if we have separate modes of transportation. I'd offer to let him borrow the bike every once in a while, but he's not as crazy as I am. :-)

So there we have it. I'm certifiably insane. Wish me luck. Pray for me. Laugh at me. Make bets on whether I'll pass out. Whatever you feel like doing.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

New and exciting!

Sometime this spring, late April, I think, the pastor of my and my family's church asked my brother if he would lead the youth. He's definitely passionate about that age group, so after praying about it and getting confirmation from God, he agreed to take the job. (Saying "job" makes it seem like he's officially employed and drawing a salary. He's not.)

Our church is young, and until my pastor started talking to my brother, there was really no ministry specifically for the youth. So he's starting this thing from the ground up. Our pastor - and my brother - were eager to get things rolling immediately. The only problem was summer was rapidly approaching. And as busy as I was this summer, my brother was 10 times busier. So despite being eager, my brother told my pastor that really getting much of anything started would have to wait.

But now the busy summer is over. Which means my brother, when he's not working, is busy thinking and planning. And since I'm his sister, we get along and work well together, and because I am willing and feel that God has me in a special place at this time to connect with these kids, I'm helping him. I'm a part of the youth leading team! And I'm excited!

We had a brief meeting tonight and we also got together with them a couple of times over the summer, just to kinda talk through things, tell them what we're thinking, get some feedback from them and all that jazz. Our official kick-off extravaganza is next Wednesday, August 26th! It's going to be a ton of fun!

I've already said it, but this is exciting! I've never done anything like this before! I've worked with youth before, but not in this setting. It's mostly been at church camp, where I'm with them day and night for like a week in the summer and that's it. I may talk to some of them on Facebook, but I'm not really a part of their lives on a regular basis. I started working a little bit with the youth at my last church, but I ended up leaving before I was able to get really involved. I'm very eager to jump into this new experience!

More than that, to be honest, I'm elated to simply be doing something in the area of ministry, whatever it may be. I used to sing pretty often at the last couple of churches I was a part of, but since coming this church, I haven't done much but show up. And for someone who always likes to be doing something, that gets old really quickly. Not only that, I'm pretty sure there are countless passages in the Bible that advocate, even command, serving the people around you. And I do try to make that a part of how I live, but it's nice when you can find something specific to do.

Like Troy and Gabrielle said, this is the start of something new for all of us, in many different ways, and at the risk of sounding redundant, new things are exciting! Thank you, Lord! And please guide us all, every step of the way. Amen.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Surprised by joy.

I am happy to report that since my last blog, I have ridden my bike both yesterday and today. I didn't ride very far, but it's a start.

My rides have been punctuated by chats with a kind gentleman that lives on the road I've been riding on and walks down it several times every day. I don't know exactly how old he is, but he could definitely be my grandpa, possibly even my great-grandpa. I don't even know his name, but he's extremely friendly, and inevitably whenever I have passed him, he has started talking.

To be completely honest, before I stared riding, part of me hoped that he wouldn't be outside walking when I decided to go for a ride. I hold nothing against him, but I feel like I need to prepare myself for social interactions. It's just part of my nature. So when I feel prepared and I decide that I want to be with people and talk to them, then that's fine. But I feel really uncomfortable whenever I'm in full introvert mode and I suddenly have to open up and be sociable. Especially with someone I do not know at all, who seems to want to stop everything and chat for a while. Times like those are real challenges for someone like me.

But I think I make the best of it. And no matter how much of a struggle it may be, I do my best to be kind and as friendly as is possible. Therefore, every time this gentleman has started talking to me, I have stopped my bike and listened to him and tried my best to carry on a conversation. I ended up talking to him three times today. It was impossible to pass him without saying something.

And really it's not so bad. He is the sweetest thing. Apparently, he's lived around here for a while, because he told my brother and me a story yesterday about something that happened at a little store down the road a long time ago. He's always wearing this bright yellow, reflective vest. It does a fine job of making sure people see him. He also heads up the neighborhood watch, and from what I have gathered, he tries to walk 5 miles a day. Pretty cool for someone his age. Even though I was initially dreading encountering him, I found myself smiling the whole time I was riding, because of my few conversations with him. I'm smiling again now just thinking about it. This is one of the first times in my life I have lived in a neighborhood where I have had the opportunity to get to know somebody like this. It's been an unexpected joy interacting with this sweet soul.

I should ask him what his name is sometime....

Sunday, August 16, 2009

I like to ride my bicycle!

I don't think I blogged about this when it happened, but I did announce it at various places on the Internet, so chances are you may remember me talking about it. Back in....May, I think, my friend Christine gave me a bike. It needed some work, but overall was in good shape. So my dad said he would figure out what needed to be fixed, and we should have it in good working order rather shortly.

Fast forward to today, and it's finally fixed! I and my whole family have been busy and all over the place all summer, so fixing the bike was mostly overlooked. Until now, that is. And it's just in time, too, because I wanted the bike to be able to ride to school. But before I do that, I need to get in the habit of riding, because it's not exactly a hop and a skip from my house to my school. I think it's close enough that the trip is definitely doable, but I'd rather work up to it. I briefly rode around on the driveway today, and I felt really shaky. I haven't ridden in years! I also need to time how long it takes, so that I won't be late to class.

So beginning tomorrow, I need to start riding. If anyone out there feels inclined to do so, feel free to ask me how the bike riding is going. It'll be extra motivation and a good way to keep me accountable. I really feel like this'll be a good thing in so many ways.

Hopefully I won't find that this is too great an undertaking!

Monday, August 10, 2009

The good and bad, best and worst.

I am home again, for the umpteenth time this summer. And I think I'm going to stay close for at least another month. It's about time.

I have enjoyed all of my ventures, though, including the latest one. Here are some highlights of the past 10 days.


My friend Becca Lee became Becca Crow on Saturday, August 1st. It was a wonderful ceremony. My brother and I were late, so we missed a bit of it, but we saw the important part. And we got to see many friends at the reception afterward, some we had not seen in quite some time. And we threw flower petals at them as they left. It was lovely.

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My brother and I went and saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince twice, once with our dear cousin and once with my best friend and her boyfriend. The boyfriend hadn't seen a Harry Potter movie since the first, and he's never read the books, but I hope he enjoyed himself all the same. It was good to meet the guy that seems to be bringing much happiness to my best friend. As far as my thoughts on the movie, to quote my brother, "it was the best and worst Harry Potter movie." That about sums it up. I could go into more detail, but I will refrain.

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Thursday night, the directors of Junior Camp at Camp Formosa put together a staff appreciation dinner for all of the people who worked this year, which also served as a very early planning meeting for next summer. They've decided on a wild west theme, complete with lots of horses. Despite my great lack of like for and interest in horses, I found myself getting excited as we were talking about it. And I'm still excited. Next year promises to be even better than this year, and this year was pretty great. It's great to see things begin falling into place this early. That never happens. I hope it's a new trend.

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Speaking of Camp Formosa, we had the very first Post-Grad retreat for 18 to 20-somethings. There were a very few of us there, but I think it was a success. We painted a whole building! It wasn't a big building, but still, it was the whole building. The whole outside got a fresh new coat of white paint, and we also added some much needed color in places. My best friend painted a mural on one wall that is amazing. And we have plans for another wall that we hope to get to in the future. We would have done it this time, but we could only do so much in one day. And what we did manage to accomplish was impressive, to my thinking, so there is no reason to feel bad. Unless you mean physically bad, as in exhausted and worn out. Because I was. Completely. And then I drove home the next day. It's no wonder I felt like crashing as soon as I got back. But it was completely worth it.

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And now it's time for me settle back into life at home. Which is often just as busy as life away from home. Life, no matter when, no matter where, is busy. With just a few breaks here and there. And that's how it should be, I think. At least for now.