Ever since I became aware of Christian music, I never really liked Hillsong. They had a couple songs that I thought were pretty good, but for the most part, I disliked how each song was like 10 minutes long with build ups that took entirely too much time. Also, they kinda had a old school, gospely feel to me which I really wasn't a fan of.
Well, this past month I got forced into attending a Hillsong concert in Austin. To be honest, I actually was kinda adamant about not wanting to "waste $35" to listen to crappy music, but ended up going.
The term "anointed" is the only word that does the group justice when you worship with them. From the first time they step onto stage and throughout, they jive w/ the Holy Spirit in a way that you can't help but meet God. Musically, they are talented beyond measure... amazing singers, amazing musicians. But what really struck me was their intense JOY in worshiping God through music. Everyone was worshiping so freely it was a blessing just to witness it.
One song in particular (out of many) stood out to me for its raw and powerful lyrics.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
... and recaka
picture from http://www.naioth.com/*deep breath out*
Today I got to check out a free Yoga class held at my apartment complex. Not surprisingly it was only girls (although only 2 others and the teacher) so I felt a bit uncomfortable at first. I remember my first experience with Yoga @ the Art Fair the summer before I left for AA. It was really cool doing all these stretches and poses so that made me want to try it again. What we did today was a bit different from what most people envision, this was kinda more like stretch/workout. A couple of the moves I did last year in insanity, except slower and more drawn out. My arms were shaking quite a bit for some of them but it was good to sweat again.
The focus of this style of Yoga was basing everything on merging the breathing (in and out) with each move. It's only been the past week where I feel like I've been able to really catch up and
BREATHE.
As some of you might have heard, yup, budget shortages all over TX meant that I, as well as most of the new hires, were let go. They asked me to reapply for job openings (when more money came in) but I couldn't do another year of commuting 40+ minutes to and from work every day. As for now, my plans are to apply for jobs closer to ATX so I can really focus on college ministry on UT campus.
I feel like there's so many things I've come to realize the past couple months, but I don't want this entry to be all over the place so I'll keep it a bit more vague. One thing though, is that God does not give up on us, no matter how we think he might have. There is always a reason behind each event. That's something that we can all hold onto.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Wedding Dress
So I never understood the appeal for that Korean song "Wedding Dress". The fact that everyone goes crazy when they play it on Youtube (girls AND guys) blew my mind. I would always scoff and make mental judgments at how superficial the fans of this song were. Sorry.
I ran across a mix that my sister had made when I was cleaning my desktop, and aside from a lot of questionable songs on the CD, I heard this song play on Track 9. I was confused, because the song sounded familiar, but the singer was singing in English. Apparently a group had made an english version and I have to admit, knowing what the lyrics say, made me actually like the song. I listened to it on repeat driving to work 3x in a row.
For me, that's a lot, because I purposely do my best NOT to kill songs (aka play the song on repeat until you get sick of it).
So consider that a mass apology to any K-Pop fans that I made fun of out loud or in my head. I can at least appreciate this song.
I ran across a mix that my sister had made when I was cleaning my desktop, and aside from a lot of questionable songs on the CD, I heard this song play on Track 9. I was confused, because the song sounded familiar, but the singer was singing in English. Apparently a group had made an english version and I have to admit, knowing what the lyrics say, made me actually like the song. I listened to it on repeat driving to work 3x in a row.
For me, that's a lot, because I purposely do my best NOT to kill songs (aka play the song on repeat until you get sick of it).
So consider that a mass apology to any K-Pop fans that I made fun of out loud or in my head. I can at least appreciate this song.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
February Condensed
I've been meaning to, and I actually really needed to blog so I could get things off my chest, but as is always the excuse... I've been way too busy. Where to begin though?
I guess I can start with how much I have been loving what God has been doing in our church this semester. Straight up, all the prayers that have been sowed throughout the year have shown fruit thus far. One of our prayers was for our members to gain a greater ownership for our lifegroup (and church), and it has been amazing to see the students really mobilizing and doing things together for a purpose. A couple weeks ago, the students randomly surprised the leaders w/ an amazing care package and poster. Apparently they had spent the past couple weeks of their own accord to plan and put all these things together. Last semester, something like this would NEVER have happened without a leader "suggesting" they do something.
Even the Bible studies have really been empowered with God's presence. Something I realized (and confirmed with conversations) was that I had been trying so hard to make the LG look like all the other groups I'd been in, that I completely froze God out of the picture. This semester, we as leaders have committed to really teaching the basic fundamentals of how our faith is lived out, and the students are really responding. Please continue praying for us, we want to continue the momentum, and even pray for a multiplication of members that will really commit to the church.
Pretty much I can kinda see how parents might feel when their kids are growing and doing well; there's this sense of pride and joy that just emanates from your heart that you can't really explain. God is so faithful, and yet he is so jealous for our dependence on Him that He doesn't mind withholding things to get our full attention.
Work is sick; sick like the bubonic plague, not the good sick. Districts all around TX are going through hiring freezes and budget cuts, including my own. Teacher morale is so low it's ridiculous. Everyone is on edge, especially when administrators pop in to do surprise walkthroughs. Any little issue makes teachers paranoid that this is gonna get put onto their record and be considered for possible termination. I'm not gonna lie, I've been stressed and pretty scared considering where some of my students are in their TAKS (TX state standardized test) preparation.
Celebrating Aaron's Bday
All in all, God is definitely doing something amazing in Austin, and I am so proud to be a part of what He's doing.
I guess I can start with how much I have been loving what God has been doing in our church this semester. Straight up, all the prayers that have been sowed throughout the year have shown fruit thus far. One of our prayers was for our members to gain a greater ownership for our lifegroup (and church), and it has been amazing to see the students really mobilizing and doing things together for a purpose. A couple weeks ago, the students randomly surprised the leaders w/ an amazing care package and poster. Apparently they had spent the past couple weeks of their own accord to plan and put all these things together. Last semester, something like this would NEVER have happened without a leader "suggesting" they do something.
Even the Bible studies have really been empowered with God's presence. Something I realized (and confirmed with conversations) was that I had been trying so hard to make the LG look like all the other groups I'd been in, that I completely froze God out of the picture. This semester, we as leaders have committed to really teaching the basic fundamentals of how our faith is lived out, and the students are really responding. Please continue praying for us, we want to continue the momentum, and even pray for a multiplication of members that will really commit to the church.
Pretty much I can kinda see how parents might feel when their kids are growing and doing well; there's this sense of pride and joy that just emanates from your heart that you can't really explain. God is so faithful, and yet he is so jealous for our dependence on Him that He doesn't mind withholding things to get our full attention.
Work is sick; sick like the bubonic plague, not the good sick. Districts all around TX are going through hiring freezes and budget cuts, including my own. Teacher morale is so low it's ridiculous. Everyone is on edge, especially when administrators pop in to do surprise walkthroughs. Any little issue makes teachers paranoid that this is gonna get put onto their record and be considered for possible termination. I'm not gonna lie, I've been stressed and pretty scared considering where some of my students are in their TAKS (TX state standardized test) preparation.
Celebrating Aaron's BdayTuesday, March 1, 2011
Goodbye Justin Bieber
Hello... shorter hair.
No more hair poking into my eyes, no more 20 minute showers.
I can not pull off the look I wanted w/ my hair. =(
No more hair poking into my eyes, no more 20 minute showers.I can not pull off the look I wanted w/ my hair. =(
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