Love songs

In this season of acknowledging love, in all of its stages and forms, I thought I would share some of my favorite love songs – past and present.

The Bible has the best definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13: “Love hopes all things…”
1 Corinthians 13 (United Pursuit Band)

Love is a gift from God.
God Gave Me You (Dave Barnes)

Love is about seeing each other through the many seasons of life. It’s a sweet promise of loyalty and commitment.
I Will Be Here (Steven Curtis Chapman)
Love of My Life (Michael W. Smith)

The older I get, the more I see that loving a person is a choice – a daily act.
Loving a Person (Sara Groves)

Love is about truly knowing someone and choosing not to give up, no matter what.
I Won’t Give Up (Jason Mraz)

Love is a beautiful dance…even through the mine fields. That’s what the promise is for.
Dancing in the Mine Fields (Andrew Peterson) 

Be generous with "I love you" this week and make sure the ones closest to you know how much you care. We are only here for a short time.

Life is a highway...or a winding road

Growing up, there was always a mile marker to aim for and look forward to:

• Learning to tie my shoes
• Going to "big" church
• Becoming a teenager
• Going to high school
• Sweet sixteen & driving
• Voting in an election
• Graduating from high school
• Going to college / grad school
• Graduating from college / grad school
• Starting my first real job

As children, we can all chart somewhat similar paths with fairly predictable milestones along the way. We know we're going to do X, Y, and Z, and so we plan ahead for and anticipate those events.

After we reach the end of the predictable, life takes on a whole new meaning. The choices we make about what to do and where to go next really do make a difference. I am discovering that the road ahead has fewer known destinations. Other than birthdays to mark the passing of years, there are no set-in-stone rights of passage in the future. Yes, there are dreams of marriage and children, but there is no schedule or timeline. The once straightforward road has become a winding road, and I can't always see what is up ahead.

I am a huge fan of planning ahead. I like to have time to think things through, get all my ducks in a row, and be prepared for anything. God has softened me a lot over the past few years, teaching me that I cannot always plan for everything. And often times, the plans I do make need to change. 

A professor once told me that the day I walk across the stage with my bachelor's degree is the day I will feel the smartest in my whole life. After that, I will continue to learn everyday how much I really don't know. Boy, was he right! 

And so this path ahead is unknown, with winding roads, hills, valleys, picnics, lookouts, precipices, and oases. I take each day as it comes, praying for guidance and direction. I set goals but write them in pencil, as I am growing more and more aware of how God's plans are always ultimately better than mine. More than looking for milestones, I take the time to savor friendships and opportunities to learn from people I interact with. I don't want to look so far down the road for what is next that I miss the people and opportunities right next to me. 

The best part of all is knowing that God sees me. He knows when I sit and when I rise. He knows my every thought (Psalm 139:2). And I trust Him.

The soundtrack of my life

The soundtrack of my life has played all genres of music over the years: church choir, school and civic choirs, piano lessons, public school band, small ensembles, symphony orchestras, and wind symphonies. My parents encouraged music and creativity in my formative years, and I eagerly pursued every opportunity to make music. The bassoon chose me at a beginning band drive at the end of my fifth grade year. Little did I know, this slender stick would become my passion throughout public school, college, and beyond. I gradually progressed from struggling to assemble it to fumbling my way through forked fingerings to making the Texas All-State Band to earning a spot in the bassoon studio at the University of North Texas. 

I studied music education at UNT and had the honor of playing in the Wind Symphony under Professor Eugene Migliaro Corporon for three years. His instruction deepened my love for wind band literature. The general consensus is that the bassoon is the orchestra’s instrument. Not so! Modern wind band literature is ripe with demanding, exciting bassoon parts that challenge the player’s agility and concept of tone while introducing the listener to its wide range of personalities beyond the rich, deep sound it is known for.

During my time at UNT, I learned about the Lone Star Wind Orchestra and jumped at the opportunity to audition. Despite my love of music, I had decided to take another route professionally, so I was thrilled at the prospect of continuing to make music with talented musicians. Playing with the LSWO is one of the key highlights of my life. I have been with the group since its first season, and I hope to play with these gifted musicians for many more years, sharing music with not only the arts community, but anyone who will listen!

Music is everywhere: in your car, the store, movies, television, churches, schools, the elevator…It is all around us, and the more we know about it, the more we realize how much of an impact it can have on our mood and outlook on life. Isn’t it remarkable how hearing a familiar song can take you to a moment in time that will forever live in your memory? Everyone has “that song” – the one that elicits a special memory that will never be forgotten. My hope is to share the joy music brings me through playing with the LSWO.

Healing might hurt

Do you ever have those days when it seems like your body is falling apart?

Today was that day for me. I was diagnosed with a sinus infection yesterday, so although I got medicine, I felt much worse today. Next, I realized I had a *painful* cold sore on my lip (and I have a rehearsal tomorrow!) so I bought some topical ointment. Let's just say I didn't realize the ointment would make my lip and tongue go NUMB! Then, I cut myself pretty good shaving, followed by an afternoon of sneezing fits (I think I hit seven in a row at one point). The dreary weather outside only added to my complaining mood.

Ah, the life.

The good thing is that God always helps to bring things back into perspective. I am daily reminded of how He provides for each of us through our physical ailments and needs. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and so I want to take care of mine the best I know how (which means nursing this infection and getting plenty of rest). I want to keep it pure so that I can be used by God for good works. I want to always be prepared and ready to go.

It is important to realize that God works His will out in our lives, and complete healing may not be a part of that will. It wasn't for Paul. His story reminds me that I should be thankful for unanswered prayers, especially in light of the fact that God knows what I can handle. Healing might actually hurt me if it allows me to walk away from pain without praising and thanking Him. Going through trials makes us stronger because they push us closer to Him.

Today really hasn't been all that bad. There are bigger things to concern myself with. I just needed to put it all into perspective.



2012 Year End Review: Books

A few years ago, I started keeping a list of books I read and movies I saw throughout the year. As I look back on 2012, here is a list of books I read (in order):

Longing - Karen Kingsbury
Enemies of the Heart - Andy Stanley
Poke the Box - Seth Godin
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
Loving - Karen Kingsbury
Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
Coming Home - Karen Kingsbury
Saying It Well - Chuck Swindoll
The Cavendish Home for Boys & Girls - Claire Legrand
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts - Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott
The Mystery of God's Will - Chuck Swindoll

It's not as many as I thought, but I can look back on the year and see seasons of intensive reading and seasons when I took a break. Clearly, three authors dominated my book time: Karen Kingsbury, Suzanne Collins, and Chuck Swindoll.

Karen Kingsbury: I was introduced to this fantastic author through my mom. After just one book, I was hooked. What started with one book turned into a huge series of books broken up into 4- to 5-book mini-series that focused on the Baxter family and their close friends. These characters have become almost like family over the years as I have celebrated, cried, struggled, and grown with each of them. But one of the most special things is sharing these books and their themes with my mom, sister, and a few friends who came along with us.

Suzanne Collins: My sister inspired my parents and me to read the Hunger Games trilogy. We passed the books around and consumed them. Again, the themes of the books were the subjects of many conversations. After watching the first movie, we're looking forward to seeing the approach to capturing the second book on film.

Chuck Swindoll: I find it difficult to articulate how God has used this man in my life. Growing up, dad often mentioned listening to Chuck on the radio. It wasn't until 2007 when I moved back home after college that I realized he preached at a nearby church and started visiting. I was instantly challenged by the messages he brought each Sunday and got hooked on Insight for Living. In March 2010, I traveled to IFL - a trip I will never forget and hope to experience again. As I've read a number of his books now, you'll find each of them with scribbles and highlights and dog-eared pages that help me keep track of invaluable advice I've gleaned. Here are some key points from The Mystery of God's Will:

"To give Him our wills and to align our wills to His will requires the abandonment of what we prefer, what we want or what we would choose" (p. 5).

"The better you get to know the Word of God, the less confusing is the will of God. Those who struggle the least with the will of God are those who know the Word of God best" (p. 30).

"Obeying and delighting in God's will leads us to make major adjustments. And that requires us to release and risk - releasing the familiar and risking whatever the future may bring. That's the bottom line of fleshing out God's will" (p. 70).

"However, there still dwells within us this tendency to do wrong. Because we're 'bent' in that direction within, so it keeps rearing its ugly head, keeps coming back, keeps revisiting us. Even though we are right with God, we still must fight the good fight - stay engaged in the battle against sin. Whoever denies this is simply denying reality" (p. 165).

"It isn't that God does it all and I do nothing. It's that God does His part, and then I do mine. God sends the signals, and as I read them, I respond in obedience...and that simple plan results in my experiencing His holy will" (p. 168).

~~~

I could go on and on, quoting so many insights from this book that truly resonated in me. Suffice it to say that I needed these words of wisdom in the last quarter of this year. I faced some unexpected challenges and setbacks that I would never have imagined. Reading this book was a great encouragement during that time, and I know I will carry the truths with me far into the future.

The power of words on the page of a book or handwritten words in a card is lasting. To think long and hard about penning truth or words of love and encouragement is a true gift, whether to a specific person or for the world to see. Never doubt the impact your words can have on a life.

Whirlwind in the Windy City

What a whirlwind!

I just returned from a two-day trip to Chicago to play at the Midwest Convention with the Lone Star Wind Orchestra. We have been planning this trip for months, and with all the details worked out to a "T" by our fantastic leadership team, it was smooth sailing for a wonderful experience and truly memorable performance. Here are a few photos of the journey:

My bassoon of eight years, affectionately named Nicki after my dear friend I have played bassoon with for the past 15 years since we started in 6th grade.

Waiting for the early-morning plane.

LSWO Bassoon section

A man I greatly admire and have enjoyed playing under for over eight years: Eugene Migliaro Corporon.

My dear parents who traveled all the way to Chicago for the concert.

Plano East alumni and our wonderful Director of Bands from our East days.

It is such an honor to play with the dedicated, talented members of the LSWO. The opportunity to play with this group is inspiring and motivating. Congratulations to everyone on a fantastic concert at Midwest!

Now to prepare for our upcoming concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas on January 27th: "Once Upon a Time." Hope to see you there!

Grown-Up Christmas List

A season of widespread reflection is upon us. The holidays seem to be a fairly universal time of intent thought as people contemplate the things that mean the most in their lives. 

 

The other day as I was driving home from work, I heard a Christmas song that brought memories flooding back: “Grown-Up Christmas List.” When I was little, I first heard Amy Grant’s version of this song, and it is the one that plays over and over in my mind as I think back on years of meaningful Christmases. Sort of like a mental scrapbook, I can reflect on my mindset over the years of hearing this song and see how my views of Christmas wishes have changed. Consider the lyrics: 

"Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee.
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies.
Well, I'm all grown up now,
But still need help somehow.
I'm not a child but my heart still can dream.”

What were your dreams and wishes as a child at Christmas? Toys and games, cookies and treats? It’s fascinating to think of the change in priorities over the years. I’m all grown up, but I still have wishes and dreams – they’ve just transformed as I’ve learned more about the world, myself, and my faith.

“As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely wrapped beneath the tree.
Well, heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal a hurting human soul.”

There is a special sense of nostalgia when I remember early Christmases with my parents and sister – the excitement of the presents under the tree and the anticipation of opening those gifts on Christmas morning. Then, my views of Christmas started to change as I realized the deep needs of so many people. I’ve had the joy of participating in Operation Christmas Child and preparing packages of essentials and gifts for needy children. It has been an honor to serve in local soup kitchens, serving the sweet, grateful people who hunger not only for food but love and respect. Time and attention mean more to these people than packages and bows.

“No more lives torn apart,
And wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
Ev'ry one would have a friend,
That right would always win,
And love would never end:
This is my grown-up Christmas list.” 

This expressive chorus brings to mind families who face a recent divorce or death or the absence of a family member who has so bravely joined the military to defend our freedoms. What a wonderful wish – for everyone to have a friend (and might I add, that those of us who have been blessed with a special few would not take them for granted). The fact that right does not always win today makes me long for the time when it will. What a beautiful day that will be. And praise God that we do have a Love that will never end. Perhaps our prayer this Christmas should be that we reflect His love to those around us more clearly. 

My grown-up Christmas list is much different than my childhood one, but it brings the same sense of anticipation and a big smile to my face.

                               

Truly Thankful

At 27, I think I am just beginning to truly grasp what it means to be thankful.

As the years go by, we learn to value faith, family, friends, and our lives more because of the loss, growth, and change we experience. There have been a number of character-building events in my life this past year that contributed to my deepened sense of gratitude for God and His grace:

• The passing of my sweet Meemaw
• Making it through two lay-offs at work
• Traveling to Scotland
• Running three 5k's
• Hearing a heartfelt apology
• Experiencing my first lay-off
• Watching loved ones deal with health issues
• Completing a chronological Bible-reading plan
• Networking that led me to a job with endless opportunity

As cliche as it sounds, time seems to pass so much more quickly as I get older. And yet, I think I can look at my life more objectively.

I am so incredibly thankful to God for His priceless gift of salvation. It's a gift I could never earn. A gift I could never deserve or feel entitled to. It's a gift I should not feel guilty about but should live my life to honor and share. It's a gift that keeps giving. Salvation is an everyday thing. It's not frozen in time at the moment of acceptance - it saves and keeps saving.

I am thankful for a family who supports and encourages me through every season without fail and who models unconditional love in a way that never ceases to amaze me.

I am thankful for a Bible-teaching church and a pastor who presents the Word clearly and unapologetically.

I am thankful to live in a country that allows me to practice my faith freely.

I am thankful for my education in a field I feel called to.

I am thankful for the opportunity to use my education to pursue excellence at work.

I am thankful for a home and food and warmth.

I am thankful for health.

Thank You, Lord, for yesterday, today, and tomorrow!

Trading the Traditional Turkey Taco

It's time for turkey!

I eat turkey all throughout the year, but it's fun to find new ways to highlight it in the fall when it's the first protein that comes to mind for many meals. I found a recipe recently that I forwarded to Mom, and we decided it was time to schedule a cooking date!

These turkey taco lettuce wraps are delicious! There are a ton of spices that really boost the flavor (for those of you meat-lovers who may not be as keen on this lean protein), and the tomato sauce keeps it moist. I give this dish a thumbs up for flavor and a thumb lick for it's somewhat messy but very fun presentation.

Here are some pics and the recipe I tweaked:

Ingredients: 

• 1.3 lbs 99% lean ground turkey 
• 1 tsp garlic powder 
• 1 tsp cumin 
• 1 tsp salt 
• 1 tsp chili powder 
• 1 tsp paprika 
• ½ tsp oregano 
• 2 bell peppers, diced (red and green add a little color) 
• ¾ cup water 
• 4 oz can tomato sauce 
• 8 large lettuce leaves from Iceberg lettuce 
• Optional toppings: cheese, tomatoes, sour cream 

Directions:

1. Brown turkey in a large skillet. 
2. Add dry seasonings to turkey and mix well. 
3. Add pepper, water, and tomato sauce and cover. Simmer on low for about 20 minutes. Take the lid off and simmer until liquid has evaporated. 
4. Wash and dry the lettuce. Place meat in the center of lettuce leaves and add optional toppings, if desired.

Original recipe

Getting sidetracked

The other day, I was picking up some groceries, and I got sidetracked. Now, this wasn't one of those end caps intended to rope you in for a "Mega Sale" or "Deep Discount" - some item you would not have gone out of your way to buy, but now that it's staring you in the face, you can't resist. This was just me browsing and taking a step into the craft aisle. Always dangerous for women.

I found myself flipping through a book of decorative scrapbook pages. The borders were so creative and modern, and I felt a connection with them...almost as though I designed them myself! They seemed to come out of my imagination!

I started to put the book in my basket...but then I stopped. What on earth would I DO with those artsy, decorative pages? Oh, sure, I could make a scrapbook (duh) or work on a collage or mod podge a frame or book cover. Yes, all those things I could do with this paper. But I didn't have a project in mind, and I have a half-used book of the same type of paper at home.

I really do like to be crafty, and it's good to have extras at home to *inspire* when I'm looking for a project to dig into, but I think for now, I'll leave the new scrapbook paper at the store as a treat for another day. And maybe between now and then I'll come up with a new project to dig into.

Maybe it will be a flower project...I sure seem to like taking pictures of flowers.