I Was NOT Born to Be a Housewife

I burn microwave bacon. I manage to ruin boiled eggs. I destroy ramen. I don't know how to use a washing machine. Washing dishes makes me gag. I forget to pack my own lunch. I leave the dog outside for too long. I can't fold bedding. I don't understand how to file taxes. I can't tie other people's shoes (let's keep in mind I learned to tie my own at a very late age). I try to do good deeds and they always backfire.

There are some things I just wasn't meant to do.

As simple as this statement is, so often I forget that some things I really just can't do. I'm not saying I can't get an A in geometry (which I somehow managed to do last quarter), but some things I'm just not meant to do. I can be on a Varsity volleyball team. I can go into medical school. I can study fashion design. I can publish a book. (I'm totally not rapping "I Can" by Nas right now.)

However, though I have the height for volleyball, I can't serve overhand and my best position is middle hitter. I also haven't played since seventh grade YMCA volleyball. While I could get into a pre-med program, I hate hospitals and have a serious lack of compassion for most sick people. While I can sew, I only do it when it's absolutely necessary (in fact, I am avoiding fixing like, five things right now). While I am an okay writer, it would kill me if anyone saw the personal things I write in my poetry and stories. Maybe I shared some of my stories with y'all in fifth grade, but... I write for different reasons now. All these things show me that even if I can do something, doesn't mean I'm meant to do it.

The problem is, so often I (like many others) tend to focus on the things I can't do. Math doesn't come naturally to me. I am a weakling in gym class. I'm definitely not going to be the class valedictorian. Even though all three of these things matter greatly to me.

I've always wanted to be the very best (cue the Pokemon theme song) at everything I do, even though I know that can't be possible. I've always blamed myself for coming out in second place (I've only placed first in 1st grade academic challenge and county cake decorating in 9th). I've dreamed of being valedictorian/salutatorian since I was very young, so I could prove to others that I can be smart. But obviously, I wasn't meant to do these things.

This reminds me of my favorite(ish) song from Fireflight's album For Those Who Wait, "All I Need to Be."

Tell me again that I am strong.
Tell me again that I won't fall.
I need You here to fix me where I'm wrong.
Take me beyond what I can see.
Break me,
Make me believe
That You have made me all I need to be.
...
Who I am is all I've got.
I can't be who I am not anymore.

I don't know what the actual meaning of this song is, but I guess I'll just write from my perspective. In my perspective, it's basically saying that it's time to stop dwelling on the past ("...leaving what's in the past behind") and what you're not ("I can't be who I am not anymore"). It's time to realize that who you are is all you have, and that's all you need. It's about believing that you were made the way you were supposed to be. About not looking to the right or left, but focusing on what you need to do.

This has been something I have struggled with, and to quote Fireflight again, "I know I'm not the only one." It's easy to focus on what's expected of me, or what I've tried and failed. After all, I'm human, aren't I?

It's easy to think the grass is greener on the other side of the street (which isn't true. The grass on my lawn is usually pretty green). This friend has higher grades than me. That friend is prettier than me. That person is ten times more competent than I am in (you fill in the blank). But what's important is focusing on what I was meant to be.

I clearly wasn't born to be a housewife (refer to first paragraph). I wasn't born to be a track star. I wasn't born to be a doctor. I wasn't born to be an author. I'm not supposed to be good at everything.

Everyone is different, and I should understand that, but clearly, I don't. A lot of people don't. As humans, we seem to measure ourselves based off what we've seen of others, to the point where we can't see our own strengths. We know that we are geared toward math and science, yet we feel untalented when around someone better at the arts. We know that we're introverted and sometimes shy, yet we feel the need to force ourselves to conform. If you don't struggle with this, yay for you. But for the rest of us...

Accept what you can't do, remember what you can. Like the old cliche goes: if it's meant to be, it will be. Stop dwelling on what could have been and remember what should be and has been. I'll never make the U.S. Olympic team, as much as I've wanted to since 2002. So. What. Gotta move on! Besides, there's so much more that I am meant to be, and I'm sure the same goes for you.

So, I wasn't born to be a housewife, but I am everything that I need to be, and at the end of the day, that is the only thing that matters.

Summer Bands: Fireflight

Name meaning: It is an original word, and it really means nothing. Dawn Michelle (vocalist) suggested the name shortly before a small performance at a church.

I discovered this band almost four years ago. They are signed by Flicker Records, and though they are one of the most underrated bands I've ever heard, they don't have as small of a fan base as Deas Vail, or even smaller, Halocene.

Genre: Christian Rock, soft metal and alternative

If you're looking for some ACTION, then meet Fireflight.

"Unbreakable" has such an amazing message. With its extreme popularity in both the mainstream and Chrstian world, almost everyone in the United States has heard it (no kidding). "God, I want to dream again, take me where I've never been. I wanna go there. This time I'm NOT scared!"

The video that made me buy a violin. "I know I'm not the only one. So we sing a lullaby to the lonely hearts tonight. Let it set your heart on fire. Let it set you free!"

"I know You hear me, would You give me a sign?"

"We're standing on the ashes with a clearer view and a new perspective!"

I love that Fireflight's message is always clear, and even if you're not a Christian you can relate. maybe that's why they're so popular among atheists and Christians alike. You can see it in my "Stay Close" lyric post.

I've never seen Fireflight live, but gosh, now I want to.

Look up on your own: "It's You" and "Core of My Addiction." You may also want to hear "Name" and "All I Need to Be".

This band is for fans of: Evanescence, Skillet, VersaEmerge, WEASHUMAN, Flyleaf

//NEXT// Sanctus Real!!!

Summer Music: Stay Close

Stay Close

I wanna know You, there's so much at stake
Can't face the memories, they bend me 'til I break
Hiding from the past that's eating me alive.
Can't block it out, where it's coming from this time.

Every turn leads me to a new dead end.
I'm lost again.
I'M SCREAMING YOUR NAME!

Come close,
Come close,
And call my name!
How can You turn Your back on me
When You know my pain?
Stay close,
Stay close,
Light up the night!
Save me from the part of me that's begging to die!

Precious denial,
The stone to break my back.
The chains I carry won't cut me any slack.
Imprisoned by fear,
No room for my heart.
My only hope,
Only You can heal the scar.

Every turn leads me to a new dead end.
I'm lost again.
I'M SCREAMING YOUR NAME!

Come close,
Come close,
And call my name!
How can You turn Your back on me
When You know my pain?
Stay close,
Stay close,
Light up the night!
Save me from the part of me that's begging to die!

Stay by my side,
If You leave me, I will die.
Stay by my side,
If You leave me, I will die.
STAY BY MY SIDE!
If You hold me, I will fly
If You hold me, I will fly
Will You hold me???

Come close,
Come close,
And call my name!
How can You turn Your back on me
When You know my pain?
Stay close,
Stay close,
Light up the night!
Save me from the part of me that's begging to die...

Come close,
Come close,
And call my name!
How can You turn Your back on me
When You know my pain?
Stay close,
Stay close,
Light up the night!
Save me from the part of me that's begging to die!!!

My Autumn Playlist

I didn't have time to post the recipe I invented, so here's what's playing on my iPod this season!

1. "Paradise" by Coldplay. Me and my friends were jamming to it at lunch when unexpectedly, while dancing, I accidentally shook my iPod and it shuffled. I screamed "NOOO!" and they said I looked like the Devil, no less the Baby of Shame.
2. "Christmastime is Here" by Vince Guaraldi Trio. This is the instrumental that Coldplay is attempting to play at the end of "Charlie Brown" and they failed that part epically.
3. "Charlie Brown" by Coldplay. Despite the failed attempt to play the above song, this song rocks! I love the "light a fire..." part!
4. "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" by Coldplay. Love the lyrics.
5. "Major Minus" by Coldplay. I love the acoustic guitar, vocals, bass, guitar lead... Not sure what I like.
6. "Be My Escape" by Relient K.
7. "Desire" by Deas Vail. While waiting for the bus one day, I had just received the album and just as Laura started saying, "mm..." the bus pulled around the corner! I knew it would be a good day!
8. "Excuses" by Deas Vail. Forget the six month band thing. I hate this song, but at the same time I have to love it. Gosh, I miss band practices... Gosh, take me back to Phoenix already.
9. "For Those Who Wait" by Fireflight. Beautiful...
10. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Rascal Flatts. I like Christmas music--- don't be a hater!
11. "Make Your Move" by Third Day.
12. "Time" by Hans Zimmer. You know why this blasts on my iPod. I'm joining my school band if and when we get one, and this song is why I might do cello! However, I really wanna play the saxophone, so I Don't know...
13. "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been" by Relient K. 'I watched the perverbial sunrise coming up over the pacific end. You might think I'm losing my mind but I will shy away from the specifics.'
14. "The One I'm Waiting For" by Relient K. I love the 80s vibe it gives off!
15. "Common Sense" by Deas Vail. Only song that can make me sad and happy at the same time.
16. "Strawberry Swing" by Coldplay.
17. "Lovers in Japan" by Coldplay.
18. "Run Away" by Megan and Liz. It totally describes how I've been feeling in this beautiful season of autumn.

"We live in the shadow of the fall..."
-Selah, 'Unredeemed'.

Got Cash?

Fireflight. Owl City. Two of the best in music, eh? Well, they both love you.

Reach into your wallet. What do you pull out? Five dollars? Ten dollars? Fifteen, maybe? Well, forget about how you were going to spend it, because you're definitely gonna want this.

If you only have five dollars...

Search all around your house for some loose change (that'll pay the tax). Then, since you already have five dollars, you need to find the nearest Family Christian Stores location in your area. Why? Fireflight's album For Those Who Wait is only five dollars today! Today and until August 4th. You have time. Go buy it.

If you only have ten dollars...

Again, you need loose change because of taxes. Now, go to that exact same store. Why? Owl City's new album All Things Bright And Beautiful is ten dollars today and until August 4th. Go. Buy. This. Album.

If you have fifteen dollars...

You're in luck! You can buy both albums!

Two amazing artists. One low price.

Fireflight is one of my absolute favorite bands, so when I found out the newest album was that cheap, I rushed my family to the store to get it. I got what I wanted, and now I'm jamming out to "Desperate", "For Those Who Wait", "Name", "New Perspective", and much much more. That's ten more songs to listen to on the way to Phoenix!

Now, I still can't forget Owl City! He blew me away with "Dental Care", and I fell in love with "Fireflies" all because of Adam Young. He's my honeybunch of oats (is that a bad thing?)!

If you have money, this is how you want to spend it.

My Summer Playlist

When you hear me say "playlist", you probably automatically think of the iPod on this blog (doesn't it look so cool?). I've been using it for two years now.

Well, here's what I've been listening to this summer (including some not-so-Christian songs).

1. "Chap Stick, Chapped Lips, And Things Like Chemistry" by Relient K. I've loved that song since I was eight years old.
2. "Closer" by Shawn McDonald. This song is the catchy-est Christian song I've ever heard, and it kinda reminds me of something Bruno Mars would do.
3. "Again" by Flyleaf. It's my favorite Flyleaf song, and one of my most-listened-to songs this summer! It's just awesome! I listen to it when I'm mad and it makes me happy AGAIN. I also love the meaning behind it. Watch... there just might be a lyric post of it coming from me soon!
4. "Better Than Revenge" by Taylor Swift. This is probably her best song, although I really like the lyrics to "Long Live". This is my favorite Taylor Swift song ever... WHOA OH!
5. "Desperate" by Fireflight. I love the guitar, and Dawn's voice is just incredible. It's impossible to sing that high for me! How does she do it? My favorite Fireflight member is Wendy, because she has awesome hair and plays bass (just like my dad does and I'm learning)!
6. "Fixed At Zero" by VersaEmerge. I used the video to this in "Operation: Stage Presence" last month, because not only do they have good presence, but Sierra's voice is awesome (and too high for my range)! I also love the guitar at 2:46 and 2:51. I don't know why, but it always gets me right there. Why isn't this song on my iPod? Don't ask me!
7. "For Those Who Wait" by Fireflight. I listened to that song a lot at the beginning of summer, so that explains why I'm kinda sick of it.
8. "Emergency" by Paramore. This song is sorta sad, but "It's really not your fault, when no one cares to talk about it..." I posted this in "Operation: Fun Fun Fun FUN!" Because my stage presence "Is an emergency".
9. "Best Love Song" by CIMORELLI. I like it better than the original, and Even though it's not the best love song, it was good enough for me to post it, and it sure is the "Crunkest"!
10. "Must Have Done Something Right" by Relient K. I once had this song on repeat for like, an hour! Okay, maybe not that long. But I'm "racking my brain for a new improved way" to listen to this song, because a stereo isn't good enough! If I knew Matt (both Thiessen and Hoopes), we'd be best friends. Matt Thiessen, "We should get jerseys cuz we make a good team. But yours would look better than mine, cuz you're outta my league". Stay tuned for a lyric post.
11. "Summer Forgets Me" by Deas Vail. I love the entire band, so I can't decide on a favorite! But if I have to have one, it'd be either Wes because he's the lead singer, Laura because she's awesome, or the bassist (forgot his name) because his stage presence is so awesome, it's almost funny! Stay tuned for a lyric post of "Summer Forgets Me".
12. Okay, I can't help myself... I have to tell you what the new Deas Vail song is. It's called "Gone". I love all the "oh"-ing in it. I'm kinda mad at Deas Vail right now because although it made it onto the Split EP with Farewell Flight, it won't be on the album I pre-ordered. But I'll get over it. All that matters is the meaning behind this song. Stay tuned for a lyric post of it.
13. "Baby" by Relient K. It's the best cover I've ever heard... I instantly fell in love with it.

"Here you are, down on your knees AGAIN. Trying to find air to breathe AGAIN. And only surrender will help you now. I love you, please see and believe AGAIN."

-Flyleaf, "Again", my song pick of today. Stay tuned for a lyric post.

Operation: Fun Fun Fun FUN!

Operation: Stage Presence obviously was not enough. My presence still sucks... just not as badly. So, here are some more videos to (hopefully) help my presence, and maybe even yours if this applies to you.

I love the violins at 3:02, but my favorite part is 3:08 when afterwards, everybody kicks in and it gets loud again! Check out my lyric post "For Those Who Wait". Doesn't this song "Set your heart on fire"? Doesn't "It set you free"?

This song doesn't help me completely (when it comes to movement), but it sure does set my heart on fire, and Dawn (lead vocalist) shows some amazing facial expression. Wendy (bassist with the amazing red/black hair) is always doing something when they show her. It doesn't matter that she headbangs. She's doing SOMETHING. And the guitar guys (one of which is named Glenn whom is married to Wendy) show that you need to LOOK UP!!! Don't stare at your guitar the whole time! And you can even learn from the young actress--- show expression. That's it.

Do you see Hayley's emotion at 3:01? Doesn't she look so much younger at 2:58?

Show emotion. But this video is mainly for you guitar players. See how Josh, Jeremy, and the other guy are jumping around like there's no tomorrow? Simply just... have fun.

Christina, HEY! Katherine. Lisa! Amy. LAUREN! Dani.

I love the guitar at 2:59. I especially love Lisa's voice at 3:12 through to 3:15 when she's like, "Oh, oh, oh oh oh, oh oh".

This video shows that you should just have FUN! CIMORELLI has a song for that, too... check out their "Friday" cover I posted back in May. This has a lot to do with sound, too. They use a lot of autotune now, so their wonderful voices don't make me feel like nothing because I know they had extra help. See how they're in almost perfect harmony, though? Yeah.

Also, you see how much fun they're having? Katherine having a ball at 0:32. Lauren hugging herself at 0:39. Christina jamming to the beat at 0:44. Lisa waving her hands at 1:29. Dani dancing at 1:36. Katherine throwing her hands up at 1:44. They're all one big happy family, yes, but they're having SO MUCH FUN! If they're not having a good time, they're good at faking. I know I wouldn't like having to sing with my sisters (again).

Don't be afraid to look silly! It'll put the audience in a GREAT mood!

Just. Have. FUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNN!

PS: Our church has some new worship interns that have been here for about a month now... I think they're awesome and I hope they stay here forever! I know forever is a long time, yes. Just thought I should say something. I know it was random and weird to bring up, but Taylor Swift says you should speak now, and John Mayer says you should say what you need to say. So that was what I needed to say.

Written in Quotations

Today, I thought I might mention some of my absolute favorite quotes. Some are from songs I like, some from Narnia, others I found in random places.

"Don't worry about the world ending today. It's already tomorrow in Australia."

-Charles M. Schulz

"You go too far, Miraz!"

-Disney/Walden's "Prince Caspian"

"When your time comes, will you be ready?"

-Unknown

"If you're lucky enough to be different, don't ever change."

-Taylor Swift

"You can forgive me too..."

-Relient K, Forgiven

"I'll stop the whole world. I'll stop the WHOLE WORLD from turning into a monster, and eating us alive! Don't you ever wonder, how we SURVIVED?..."

-Paramore, Monster

"You'll come back, when it's over. No need to say goodbye. You'll come back, when it's over. No need to say goodbye..."

-Regina Spektor, "The Call"

"She's wearing a hat!"

-"Bandslam"

"I had it sorted!"

-Disney/Walden's "Prince Caspian"

"She's not a saint and she's not what you think--- She's an actress! WOAH OH!"

-Taylor Swift, "Better Than Revenge"

"The best thing is that it's happening to you and me!"

-Relient K, "The Best Thing"

"Let it set your heart ON FIRE! Let it set you FREE!"

-Fireflight, For Those Who Wait

"Baby, don't waste this chance cuz it might not come back... COME BACK AROUND!"

-Deas Vail, Sixteen

For Those Who Wait

For Those Who Wait

This is for those who wait!!!

Another day, another waiting game
A little different, but it's still the same.
I am here, but where's the One I'm longing for?
I'm having trouble feeling all alone,
Will my heart ever find a home?
I want to hope, but sometimes I just don't know.

I know
I'm not
The only one!

So we sing a lullaby
To the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set your heart on fire,
Let it set you free!
When you're fighting to believe
In a love that you can't see,
Just know there is a purpose
FOR THOSE WHO WAIT!

I wanna open up my eyes,
I know that all I need is time
I'm growing stronger every single day.
God, I'm gonna lean into You now,
I'm letting go of all my fear and doubt
I can't do this on my own so I'll give you control.

I know
I'm not
The only one!

So we sing a lullaby
To the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set your heart on fire,
Let it set you free!
When you're fighting to believe
In a love that you can't see,
Just know there is a purpose
FOR THOSE WHO WAIT!

The pressure makes us stornger.
The struggle makes us hunger.
The hard lessons make the difference.
The pressure makes us stronger.
The struggle makes us hunger.
The hard lessons make the difference,
And the difference makes it worth it.

So we SING A LULLABY
To the lonely hearts tonight!
LET IT SET YOUR HEART ON FIRE!
LET IT SET YOU FREE!
When you're FIGHTING TO BELIEVE
In a love that you can't see
Just know there is a purpose
FOR THOSE WHO WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Let it set your heart ON FIRE!)
This is for those who wait!

Desperate...

Desperate

Seek and you will find, they say
But I've been looking everyday for a way past this wall that's in front of my face, I'm on hands and knees searching for my faith!

I know there's so much at stake,
But I don't know if I can take one more pat on the back, saying I'll be okay,
CAN'T YOU SEE MY WHOLE LIFE IS IN DISARRAY???

(You've got me desperate!)

I know You hear me, would You give me a sign?

And reel me in before I fall out of line?

You've put me on a path I don't understand...
I'm standing on a ledge, waving my hands...
(You've got me desperate...) DO YOU SEE ME?!
(Desperate...) DO YOU HEAR ME?!
(Desperate...) WILL YOU HELP ME?!
You've got me desperate!

I know You're my only hope,
The only One who truly knows how it feels what it's like when it all starts to fall, You're the One I can trust who hears when I call....!

(YOU'VE GOT ME DESPERATE!!!)

I know You hear me, would You give me a sign?

And reel me in before I fall out of line?

You've put me on a path I don't understand...
I'm standing on a ledge waving my hands...
(You've got me desperate...) DO YOU SEE ME?!
(Desperate...) DO YOU HEAR ME?!
(Desperate...) WILL YOU HELP ME?!
You've got me desperate!

(You've got me desperate...)

Some things I'll never figure out
Until I let HOPE erase my DOUBT...

YOU'VE GOT ME DESPERATE!!!!!!!!

I know You hear me, would You give me a sign?

And reel me in before I fall out of line?

YOU'VE PUT ME ON A PATH I DON'T UNDERSTAND!
I'm standing on a ledge waving my hands!

You've got me desperate...
Do You see me?
Desperate...
Do You hear me?
Desperate...
Will You help me?
You've got me desperate!
You've got me desperate...
OH CAN YOU SEE ME???
Desperate...
DO YOU HEAR ME????!!!!
Desperate...
WILL YOU HELP ME?!

YOU'VE GOT ME DESPERATE!

Bass Is Kickin' It!

Bass... you would have expected me to blog about it by now, huh? Being a bass guitarist's daughter? I think I would expect that of me, too. Of all the things I blog about, (music, fashion, MUFFINS???) I still haven't blogged about this.

Here are the best bassists in the world!!! (In my opinion.)

0:53 and 1:56 are where the bass really kicks it! 3:02 through the rest of the song sends chills down my spine, but the best part is 3:08 when after the violin, everybody kicks in and it gets loud again! That part is just legitimately awesome! Crazy! SWEET!!! It reminds me of why I love rock music.

So, who's the rockin' bassist in Fireflight? Wendy Drennen! Yep, she's a girl, and she rocks the bass... she knows what she's doing! You may have noticed that she's the only other girl in the band. She does a few BGVs (background vocals) in this song, they just don't have her lip-sync in the video. I love her hair... I love how when she headbangs, which is quite often, (notice she's whipping her hair back and forth every time they show her?) and all this red shows up in her hair... she has it highlighted PERFECTLY. You can see exactly how it is in the "Desperate" music video.... another great song by them.

Fun Facts: Wendy is married to Glenn, which he's a lead guitar for the band. Wendy and Glenn are Fireflight's founding members, and have had their most popular song---"Unbreakable"---featured on an NBC commercial! I love you, Fireflight!

2:29 I love! and 3:27 through to the end... legit. So, the piano kicks it more than the bass, but whatever. I just wanted to blog this song because I'm officially a Relient K fan now!

Who's the bassist? I don't know. Their bassist quit the badn in '04, so I don't know who's doing bass in this song.

Fun Facts: Does the vocals sound familiar? Matt, the lead singer, sang "It's not that there are ever bad intentions, it's more that we forgot where to go home. For important things that we don't know to mention... it's the uniform that we put on, the formula we have for love" in 'Birds' by Deas Vail.
This band is an Ohio band! They formed in Canton!
One of their recent albums is called "Five Score And Seven Years Ago". Ha!
Deas vail opened for their Christmas concerts and they have opened for Paramore.
They've been with the label Mono Vs. Stereo (possibly still are) and Deas Vail is with them, too. They've been with Jive, which Hot Chelle Rae is with them, too. (Hot Chelle Rae performed "Tonight Tonight", the newly popular, as of yesterday, song. When I saw the video awhile ago, they only had a few thousand views. Now, they're in the millions!)

Good day!
Hope!

P.S. "Ask me Anything" is being deleted due to huge difficulties of my Blogger account constantly signing out and not letting me sign back in to post comments.

New Perspective

Since I will be writing a book called "New Perspective", I would like to share with you some of the things that inspire it.
~~~

This drama that will make you laugh, but at the end, has a real message that has to do with the book.

***UPDATE: I am very sorry... it may seem like this is the complete drama, but it really isn't. The rest of the script is:

"They watch the same filthy movies that I do. Use the same cuss words as me. They even lead the same disgusting, sinful life, which is no different from mine. It's like they have the cure for cancer, but simply choose not to share it. I'll tell you what, if they weren't so hypocritical in their own life, I would definitely be more interested in hearing about the redemption of this extraordinary God. You want to know who I don't understand? Christians."

Fireflight's song "New Perspective".

New Perspective
I always thought I had it figured out
No need for the benefit of the doubt
I could never look beyond what I could see
I was in control, it was all about me
I'm so sick and tired
Of this selfish life...
I want MORE!!!

REACH OUT!
REACH OUT!
This house is burning down, these walls we built are caving in
REACH OUT!
Don't give up
We're standing on the ashes with a clearer view
And a new perspective.

I can feel the hardness breaking up inside
Shattered by the tears falling from their eyes
I just wanna push beyond the boundaries
Surrender all control Cuz it's not about me
They're so sick and tired
Of our selfish lives...
They need MORE!!!

REACH OUT, we know they need us...
REACH OUT, and they're all around us...
This house is burning down, these walls we built are caving in
REACH OUT, it's a new beginning...
Don't give up, (with the love we're giving)
We're standing on the ashes with a clearer view
And a new perspective.

We need to open up our eyes
See it written on their faces...
We are running out of time
Is there no one who will SAVE THEM????

I'm reaching out.

REACH OUT! We know they need us...
REACH OUT! And they're all around us...
This house is burning down, THESE WALLS WE BUILT ARE CAVING IN!
REACH OUT! It's a new beginning...
Don't give up! (with the love we're giving)
We're standing on the ashes with a clearer view and a new perspective...

REACH OUT, WE KNOW THEY NEED US...
REACH OUT, AND THEY'RE ALL AROUND US
This house is burning down, these walls we built are caving in!
REACH OUT, IT'S A NEW BEGINNING
DON'T GIVE UP, WITH THE LOVE WE'RE GIVING
We're standing on the ashes
With a clearer view
And
A new perspective.

Secular To Gospel Week: Rock Day!

Welcome to Secular To Gospel Music Blogging Week Day 3! Today it is rock day, and we have a double showdown: Paramore vs. Fireflight and Krystal Meyers.

Paramore's "Decode" versus... (I didn't pre-watch this, so don't blame me if anything shows up. Well, you can blame me because I should've pre-watched it, but I'm at Maria's and she wants me to speed up)

Fireflight's "Unbreakable".

Paramore's Message
Is there really even a message?

Fireflight's Message
You can be stronger than your enemies.

So... the difference?
Notice, for Paramore, (they are my FAVORITE band) I said, "Is there even really a message?", saying, if there was a message, it wasn't really a positive one and it kinda makes you feel how Hayley is feeling in this song---probably mad---and not very great. In "Unbreakable", it's about not being defeated by your enemies and returning stronger.

Uplifting rock? Did that even exist before? Now it does.

NEXT CHALLENGE

Paramore's "CrushCrushCrush" versus...

Krystal Meyers' "Can't Stay".

Paramore's Message (again...)
Their friends are coming between her and some guy (I think... I thought "She'd never sing of love if it does not exist"? I guess they're the only exception...) and they're telling lies ("They taped over your mouth scribbled out the truth with their lies...") and no one knows the truth anymore. She wants them to be "more than... this."

Krystal's Message
In a situation like "CrushCrushCrush", she can't stay and wants to be more than this, with God's help.

So... the difference?
I honestly love both songs. I have an entire album and one song by Krystal Meyers on my iPod and if I could, I'd have two Paramore albums. But, I must admit... Krystal did it better.

Again, Paramore's song kinda makes you mad, because Hayley is probably mad when she wrote this. Krystal's song is about more than untrustworthy friends and lies, it's about God helping you rise above the situation.

"I need You to fill the empty space, and save me from this place... I can't stay..."

-Krystal Meyers

Book Waiting List

Hey! I'm back! I'm starting to get back into the groove of things and starting to LOOOVVVEEEE blogging again! Yipee!

So, today I thought I might just tell you about the stories I have on my mind and where I am going with my writing dreams.

Bury The Castle
Inspired by Paramore's "Brick By Boring Brick", this is a half-fantasy story about a girl who is in a coma and enters a strange world. That's all I know so far, but I think I'm going to love this book! Click here to view the story line through this awesome music video where Hayley wears her natural hair color, blonde! I'm so excited for my first fantasy!

New Perspective
Believe it or not, this is the story "The Interstate", with major changes. I decided that it wasn't too bad a book, it was just a little dry. So, I made some huge changes. I didn't want my characters to have similar names to people I know, so Chloe is now named Hayley. (Even though I do have a friend named Hayley.) Jeremy is now named Michael. This is a story about two Christians, Hayley and Jonathan, who are involved in a car accident with two other friends, McKenna and Michael. They are all in the car together, and because the accident is so severe, McKenna is killed (Don't know how yet... the old way was strangled by a seat belt, but I want something bigger...), and Jeremy is killed after six hours in the hospital. Hayley was best friends with McKenna and her boyfriend was Michael. Jonathan was friends with Michael and his girlfriend was McKenna. McKenna was a strong believer, but Michael was not a Christian at all. Shaken by the fact that this could ever happen to them, the two teenagers become depressed and such and such. Later in the story, the two teenagers connect and become great friends (possibly more if I feel the need) and gain a new perspective of the world to reach out to the lost. Click here to read the lyrics and hear the song that inspires this book, "New Perspective" by Fireflight. I love Fireflight, you need to check out their songs. They're pretty much better than Paramore because they have a Christian message.

Viva Las Vegas
I realized the plot I showed you before was slightly dry. This is a story about a girl named Sera who goes on a trip to Las Vegas with a group of seniors at her high school in Reno. This plot will have to undergo a LOT of contstruction before I even consider putting it out there for everyone to read.

Firework
This will be a series about two teenage supermodels. The books in this saga will be

"Firework"
"Teenage Dream"

It will only be two books about young models, April and (unknown name... Harley or Bayleigh???) unknown name. I don't know the plots yet, but I'm going to like these books!

Never Say Never
HaHa this one makes me laugh a little! Inspired by the Bieb man's song, this will be about a young writer (or singer... hmm...) with big dreams and how they start from nowhere and end up somewhere. It's better than it sounds!

More books to come! I'm excited!!!!!! I hope to have "Bury The Castle", "Unspoken", and "New Perspective" out before I go to college.

I don't know.... writing is a roller coaster!

If I ever start to think straight, this heart will start a riot in me, let's start, start, HEY!

P.S. It's official... My band is performing on Sunday! We're so going to rock!

Why You're Desperately Needed NOW

I'm sure you've heard

"That's what you get when you let your heart win, woah oh woah oh oh!"

Okay, seriously. I'm sure you've heard your pastor (if you go to church) say that the church needs to get outside of it's walls. (But the "That's What You Get" thing really does fit in here) When you think of that, you probably think of community service and helping out in the nursery, talking about Jesus to Atheists and blah blah blah blah blah.

So they say we've got to reach out "more, more...", huh?

But how?

Let me tell you a fun way to reach out: Your talents.

More To People, More To Life

Ever saw someone and instantly hated them? Or maybe you saw someone and instantly knew that you would be friends? Ever had love at first sight? What about hate at first fight?

Maybe you look at someone and think that they're too preppy. Look at them and think they're immature. Too shy. Too loud.

But... Do you see a soul inside?

Mispell Munday~Excuses, Excuses...

Welcome to my Mispell Munday about the fine arts of the nation. Our church is having several groups of kids and teens performing, and I'm gonna tell you everything about it. Plus, info about the Sham Rock, and everything you can imagine.
~~~~~
in my lsat psot, i frogot to mnetion the History Channel Alive. i was Rosa Parks and it wnet well. the orgnial paln was for Rosa to hvae a Southern acecnt, but it'd mkae it silly.

Tihs is the snog Kayla tlod me the Fun Arts kdis are diong for thier Human Video.

Tihs is the clwon snog. "This is the stuff..." (for Fun Arts.)

Oaky, tihs has got to be one of my FVAORITE snogs. i lvoe the meoldy, and the lyrics are so maeningful. tihs snog mihgt be for the Fine Arts Human Video. (Fine Arts is the older kids, 7-12 grade. Fun Arts is the younger kids in grades 6 and lower.)


Wlel, enuogh on taht.

ALSO... Remember to pray for my freind. I can't tell you why becuase it's raelly serious and personal. But pray for her.

And, anyway, I wnet to the Sham Rock on Sat. wtih Faith, her freind Autumn from school, Charity, and Baileigh. Smoe others popped up, too. It was at a local museum and it was packed. Also, my song came on.

"Whip it really good!"

"We gon' rock this club, we gon' go all night..."

Tehn, me and Ryan cuoldn't find the rest of the gruop, but we fuond tehm. Kinda awkward... you know... wtih a guy i only knew for abuot an huor.

But it was fun!

Tehn, lsat nihgt was the Taste Of Missions banquet. (let me put it in simpler words.... FOOOOOD!) i sat wtih Brian and Brian, Drew, Baileigh, Brittany, Pastor Darren, Collin, Faith, Samm, and Sarah and tehre's mroe.

And I got the LAST PEICE OF FREID CHIKCEN!

Earlier was Fine Arts practice. Man, i wsih i was in the Human Video.

Why?

Wlel, tehy get to do a Prep, (cheerleading stunt, and my sister is the flyer!) and tehy get to mkae a human church steeple. Puls, tehy get to do tumbling. (Autumn, not the one listed above, and Kalie are doing handstand forward-rolls. Kalie can't really do it yet, so if i was in the video, i cuold tkae her sopt becuase it's so easy... well, maybe not easy, but it's simple for me.)

So yaeh. RECORD BREAKER! LONGEST MISPELL MUNDAY!
~~~~~
Okay, I decided not to "Mispell" this part.

I'm in the band! Yeah, the church Christian Band.

I'm a backup singer, which is good enough for me! I'm fine not being front and center, because guess who is???

Mariah!

Who's Mariah? She's pretty new to our church, but everyone already knew her. The church she came from was a huge competitor against our JBQ team. In fact, that church is down the street from Charity's school. And some of those great JBQers came, too.

Blake is Mariah's brother. He was sooooo good at JBQ. He knew like, every question that exists. But he's too old for JBQ now, because he's one grade higher than me. (and he's a football quarterback... OMG that is sooo hot)
Dina is a shy girl who is friends with Mariah's sister.
Natalie is Mariah's sister, who I always get her name mixed up with, even though there's a HUGE age difference.

Mariah is our leader, and she's a great singer. While the boys were learning their instruments and stuff, me and Mariah practiced in the kitchen with Nathan's iPod. I was almost embarrassed singing next to Maraih.

Why?

Because she's such a great singer.

I am... an ant when I sing.
Mariah is... I don't know... an ant-eater?

Or here's a better illustration...

I am... American cheese.
Mariah is... the TOP cheese.

Much better.

Here's our song. I know you'll like it.

1:40 is where I sing. Actually, I sing all the choruses. But keep your eyes on the piano girl, because she's a great example of how I am singing and how Mark is playing piano.

Here's our band!
Lead vocalist--- Mariah
Backup vocalist--- Hope:)
Lead electric guitar--- Nathan
Other electric guitar--- Josh
Bass guitar--- Chris
Piano/Keyboard--- Mark
Drums--- Brian L.

These are the talents we are given. The gifts we use to spread the word. We will shout that Jesus saves until the whole world hears.

"This is the stuff you use."