I was looking back in my old posts, and I saw this post that I wrote my freshman year of college. I thought it only fitting that I should add to it, since I have now completed another year and have more music major-ness seeped into me. ;) So without further ado, here are more evidences of my music major craziness.
You know you're a CU music major if...
...The practice room/music lounge is your second home
...You've slept, studied, skyped, cried, or prayed under a piano in a practice room.
...You know solfege is a way to sing, not a food.
...You're in multiple music ensembles... because you want to be.
...Singing in class is perfectly normal.
...One of the best days of your life is when you've finished your last aural skills test.
...You see the same people every day in class, the practice room, and everywhere else.
...You know the form of torture called "Death by MacGamut"
...Tour guides talking about the practice rooms are always a source of amusement.
...you know everyone in your department by instrument over name.
...Is there life outside of the music building?
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
5.26.2012
Odd days
{Listening to this song sparked this blog post.}
Today is an odd day.
A day I feel like writing,
But somehow cannot
bring myself
to write.
A day to stand
and watch the world
outside my window
brighten, then dim
dapple, then dark.
Running in the rain
Capturing drops
On pink petals
silhouetted against
a peek of sun.
My days at home have
been like this:
disparate mixtures
of creativity and toil,
quiet and rush.
Summer seems to
do that - mix up moods,
schedules, thoughts, time;
but somehow this muddle is
the best soil for beauty to bloom.
5.10.2012
Home
The world glows,
awash with color
bright trees dancing
in the epiphany
of wind and light.
I can't get enough of this
glorious outdoors
with the one splash of sun
that colors my back
warm.
With no deadlines
squeezing my creativity,
My eyes are finally open
To the beauty all around me.
I am free.
I am home.
10.19.2011
Precious Gifts (Guest Post)
You have all heard the saying, "
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the
rain." I couldn't agree more.
Ann Voskamp, the author of One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right
Where You Are remarked that "Life is not an emergency." Every moment is a precious gift. It's
our job to slow down to savor it.
The world is full of pain. The world is full of ugliness and despair. Still, God has chosen to give us beauty. We don't deserve His gifts, but, still He choses to give them. They are truly gifts of love.
I'm
Cassandra. Hazel eyes behind black-framed glasses. Sixteen-years-old. A girl set-apart
by Jesus Christ. Lover of words, pictures, family, friends, laughing, and life. Laughs
often, takes pictures compulsively, writes like there is no tomorrow. A book-worm, singer,
heath-nut, beach girl, bibliophile, wanna-be-world-traveler, adventurer, skirt-wearer, daydreamer,
homeschool student, college sophomore, humanities major, and lover of
beautiful things… This is me. You can visit my blog here: Inside My Mind
The world is full of pain. The world is full of ugliness and despair. Still, God has chosen to give us beauty. We don't deserve His gifts, but, still He choses to give them. They are truly gifts of love.
Open your eyes.
Notice the beauty of the little things around you.
A baby's smile.
A loaf of freshly-baked bread.
Golden sunshine.
Sparkling dewdrops.
Bright bursts of color.
Leather-bound books.
Classical music.
New life.
Holding hands with your siblings.
Twirling until you get dizzy.
Laughing so hard your sides hurt.
Blooming flowers.
Rain.
These are beautiful
things.
These are the things that God has given us to enjoy.
These are the things that require us to slow down and notice.
It's all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Trust me. I
know. As the oldest of five children who is trying to balance family, friends, and chores
while earning a college degree from home, slowing down for the little things in life is a
daunting task.
Still, I need to step back and breathe. I need to stop all feel the presence of
an Almighty God in my life and watch as He writes a story. My story. And, when He
writes my life story, He puts in wonderful beauties of little things that I don't want to
miss.
8.30.2011
Only the end of the overture
When we die, it's only the end of the overture. ~(said by a good friend of mine)Have you ever listened to an overture? Sometimes old movies will play them in the beginning, while the credits roll. I believe "The Sound of Music" is that way. Before you even see the movie, you hear strains of "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" "The hills are alive..." "Do re me," and more. An overture pretty much gives you little tastes of each song - just enough for you to recognize them later.
Our lives are like an overture to heaven. Have you ever thought about this? For the Christian, when we die, it's not the end. It's only the end of the tastes we've gotten of heaven. We'll finally be in the real thing.
In our overture, all the melodies God weaves by and through our lives are simply snatches of the eternal song. Even the songs of sorrow, tragic tunes, refrains of remorse - God will transpose them to the major key in heaven. Then we'll see how much beauty He can make from tragedy.
It's a beautiful and comforting way to think of this life, isn't it? Yet these truths only apply to the one who has put their trust in God and is seeking to live by His Spirit and His standards here on earth. God only promises to work all things out for good for those who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Is this you? When you die will the God of the Universe transpose the melody of your life into major and weave it in with the eternal song - or will your song continue to be one of sorrow and regret?
6.02.2011
On Days like Today...
On days like today, I want to fly.
On days like today, I love romping with an adorable puppy and an equally adorable younger brother (just don't tell him I said that).
On days like today, I want to write outside in the wildness of the wind.
On days like today, I love alliteration.
On days like today, I wear bright colors and sunglasses.
On days like today, I love spending "girl time" with my Mom shopping.
On days like today, I laugh because of the sheer joy of life.
On days like today, I wish I could capture the sunshine in a bottle.
On days like today, I experience a longing I can't explain.
On days like today, I am caught up in the ecstasy and beauty of life.
1.25.2011
Beginning to See
"Now that I'm through, I can begin to see more clearly."
I wrote that sentence in my journal just a few nights ago, in relation to a really stressful situation that happened the end of this past week. I had taken a test in order to try to test out of one of my classes, and it ended up that I was going to have to pay a ridiculously high fee just in order to test out. Also, I had added a physical education class to my load... and ended up realizing that it was just too much.
All in all - it was a really emotional, draining time for me. There were so many different questions and anxiety and emotions swirling in my head that it felt like I was in a grey mist. On top of all that, I was mentally and physically worn out from the long days with back-to-back classes & accompanying (Wednesday was 9 hours straight with only 1/2 hour break for lunch). I was exhausted... and I couldn't see an end anytime soon.
Well God knows that the best way to get us to see clearly sometimes is to put roadblocks in our way. Oftentimes, we don't even realize that we're not viewing life with God's eyes... so He has to cover our world with darkness in order for us to realize just how much we need the sun.
I needed the Son, badly. Though I thought I had it all together and would be able to just "push through," God had to reveal to me how wrong I was. And on top of that, he dug even deeper and taught me a much-needed lesson about something I don't like to talk much about.
You see, I hate to cry. Even if I'm by myself, crying is still a very painful thing for me. I have to kind of wrench the sobs out of me... otherwise I'm too good at automatically suppressing and subduing them. And then trying to cry in front of others is like grabbing my own arm and twisting it... I just simply can't.
But God taught me a powerful lesson about that. It's okay to cry. Sometimes you just have to let yourself be vulnerable... because that's the only way you're going to be real. And I want so desperately to be real.
During those couple of days, the tears would just come as I was talking to my friends or family or adviser about the situation... and though at first I fought them, I realized that they were there for good. For cleansing. They were a part of what I was going through just as much as anything else, and I needed to just let myself cry.
Though I would never again want to experience the anxiety and chaos that those days brought, I can see clearer now. God reminded me that I have tears I need to shed... and that He is the one who wipes every one of them away.
And only when my eyes and heart and mind have been washed by the Son can I truly begin to see.
I wrote that sentence in my journal just a few nights ago, in relation to a really stressful situation that happened the end of this past week. I had taken a test in order to try to test out of one of my classes, and it ended up that I was going to have to pay a ridiculously high fee just in order to test out. Also, I had added a physical education class to my load... and ended up realizing that it was just too much.
Well God knows that the best way to get us to see clearly sometimes is to put roadblocks in our way. Oftentimes, we don't even realize that we're not viewing life with God's eyes... so He has to cover our world with darkness in order for us to realize just how much we need the sun.
I needed the Son, badly. Though I thought I had it all together and would be able to just "push through," God had to reveal to me how wrong I was. And on top of that, he dug even deeper and taught me a much-needed lesson about something I don't like to talk much about.
It's about crying.
You see, I hate to cry. Even if I'm by myself, crying is still a very painful thing for me. I have to kind of wrench the sobs out of me... otherwise I'm too good at automatically suppressing and subduing them. And then trying to cry in front of others is like grabbing my own arm and twisting it... I just simply can't.
But God taught me a powerful lesson about that. It's okay to cry. Sometimes you just have to let yourself be vulnerable... because that's the only way you're going to be real. And I want so desperately to be real.
During those couple of days, the tears would just come as I was talking to my friends or family or adviser about the situation... and though at first I fought them, I realized that they were there for good. For cleansing. They were a part of what I was going through just as much as anything else, and I needed to just let myself cry.
Though I would never again want to experience the anxiety and chaos that those days brought, I can see clearer now. God reminded me that I have tears I need to shed... and that He is the one who wipes every one of them away.
And only when my eyes and heart and mind have been washed by the Son can I truly begin to see.
1.12.2011
Still Sweet
You know what?
I'm back at college (I came back Monday), and even though things are crazy and sometimes I'm sad about leaving my family and friends back at home... life is still sweet. God has been overwhelmingly good to me here at Cedarville, and I'm only on my third day back!
So here's ten things that make my life sweet:
{1} Waking up
Yeah, you wouldn't think that would be on my happy list, would you? But even though I've been having to wake up earlier than break (6:30, usually), it is still good. Because instead of being jolted awake by my alarm, God has been gently waking me about twenty minutes before it. It is the most amazing thing to be wakened by God, and just to come before His throne in the first few minutes of my morning.
{2} The Tangled Soundtrack
This is my new go-to album for everything. Sad, sweet, peppy, dramatic... it's got it all!
{3} Inspiration
I'm constantly amazed by this, but even in the midst of all the business, in the midst of the craziness, my inspiration still flows! I've had thoughts for blog posts by the dozens, as well as some writing inspiration on my own stories. (Speaking of blog posts - watch out for a new meme I'll be introducing sometime the middle of next week!)
{4} The joy of studying the Bible
My day is simply not complete if I have not fed myself with at least a morsel of the most delicious and satisfying food ever - God's holy word.
{5} Playing in an ensemble
I'm playing a trio by Brahms with a violinist and a french horn player this semester, and I'm super excited! I love the sound of multiple instruments together... and this piece is gorgeous.
{6} Grand pianos to practice on!
Need I say more? ;)
{7} Relying on God 24/7
You wouldn't think this would be fun, but in an amazing way, it is. It really reminds me about His sovereignty in my life... in everything.
{8} Haircut!
I'll show you a picture soon, hopefully - but I got it cut quite short (for me). ;)
{9} Hearing harmonies in my head
Seriously, this so amazing. As I'm singing in chapel I'll suddenly realize that I'm not singing the melody anymore - I'm singing some random harmony that I just hear in my head. It is so cool!
{10} The amazing blessing of knowing so many people who love me, care about me, and pray for me
And I think this is the sweetest of all.
12.09.2010
Freefall
Sometimes life can feel like this:
Falling, swirling... that feeling of panic and overwhelming fear as your feet get swept out from under you and there's nothing to hold on to... just falling, falling, falling, with everything tumbling down about your head.
It was like that for me the beginning of this week. What with finals coming up, juries to prepare for, papers to write, schedules, gifts, meals, and packing to figure out, life felt like it had just given way beneath me. (Or as one of our chapel speakers said, like a whale exploded.)
But then, something shifted.
It wasn't necessarily that life changed (though some things did get worked out), but that my perspective changed.
I had forgotten what was at the bottom:
The Almighty and Steadfast hands of God.
Do you ever feel this way - where things tumble down about you with no seeming end in sight?
Even though life might feel like it's in free fall, God is there at the bottom, with his hands cupped, just waiting to catch you and prove once more to you His faithfulness and care.
So instead of being dropped off a cliff, we as Christians have this unshaken assurance that the craziness of our trials and troubles (and life in general) are all held in God's hands. Though it may seem like we can't see how we'll ever be rescued from this terrifying descent, He already has us covered. We'll never completely cave in if we rest in the assurance of His unfailing love.
That makes life in the midst of craziness seem a lot more manageable.
Falling, swirling... that feeling of panic and overwhelming fear as your feet get swept out from under you and there's nothing to hold on to... just falling, falling, falling, with everything tumbling down about your head.
It was like that for me the beginning of this week. What with finals coming up, juries to prepare for, papers to write, schedules, gifts, meals, and packing to figure out, life felt like it had just given way beneath me. (Or as one of our chapel speakers said, like a whale exploded.)
But then, something shifted.
It wasn't necessarily that life changed (though some things did get worked out), but that my perspective changed.
I had forgotten what was at the bottom:
The Almighty and Steadfast hands of God.
Do you ever feel this way - where things tumble down about you with no seeming end in sight?
Even though life might feel like it's in free fall, God is there at the bottom, with his hands cupped, just waiting to catch you and prove once more to you His faithfulness and care.
So instead of being dropped off a cliff, we as Christians have this unshaken assurance that the craziness of our trials and troubles (and life in general) are all held in God's hands. Though it may seem like we can't see how we'll ever be rescued from this terrifying descent, He already has us covered. We'll never completely cave in if we rest in the assurance of His unfailing love.
That makes life in the midst of craziness seem a lot more manageable.
11.24.2010
What is your Greatest Treasure?
Thanksgiving is here, and Christmas is around the corner. In this time, people usually try to think about what they're thankful for - about gifts and presents and loved ones.
I've been thinking about this quite a lot recently - especially being at college it seems that all the joys and comforts of home mean more to me than ever. But you know another thing that I've been thinking about?
Treasures.
We all have something we treasure, something so valuable to us that we take every opportunity to admire it and show it off to others. The possession we could never replace, the talent we could never put to waste, the physical feature we could never live without.
But you know what? There's another side to these treasures. Each one of them can so easily become more than something valuable - they can become our life.
Welcome to TREASURES, the blog hop with a message.
From today until November 30th, I will be putting on this blog hop on TREASURES. I would strongly encourage you to think about those things that you value highly, that you would give anything to keep always in your possession - and then think about how you could give them away. It doesn't have to be literally giving them up - perhaps more of a "letting go" in your heart and mind, or perhaps being willing to share them in some way with others.
For the Bible says in Matthew 6:19 that we ought not to "store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." And elsewhere it says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
So think about this, pray about this, and be sure to link up! :)
Not sure what to post about? Tomorrow I will be posting a guest post from a friend on this very topic.
I've been thinking about this quite a lot recently - especially being at college it seems that all the joys and comforts of home mean more to me than ever. But you know another thing that I've been thinking about?
Treasures.
We all have something we treasure, something so valuable to us that we take every opportunity to admire it and show it off to others. The possession we could never replace, the talent we could never put to waste, the physical feature we could never live without.
But you know what? There's another side to these treasures. Each one of them can so easily become more than something valuable - they can become our life.
Welcome to TREASURES, the blog hop with a message.
From today until November 30th, I will be putting on this blog hop on TREASURES. I would strongly encourage you to think about those things that you value highly, that you would give anything to keep always in your possession - and then think about how you could give them away. It doesn't have to be literally giving them up - perhaps more of a "letting go" in your heart and mind, or perhaps being willing to share them in some way with others.
For the Bible says in Matthew 6:19 that we ought not to "store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." And elsewhere it says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
So think about this, pray about this, and be sure to link up! :)
Not sure what to post about? Tomorrow I will be posting a guest post from a friend on this very topic.
11.07.2010
You probably need a schedule at college...
my abundant apologies for my lack of posts recently. All of my free time (what little I have of it) has been going towards the making of my CD. Hopefully I will be able to post a little more regularly once that is done!
Here is another turn of the kaleidoscope of college. This time, the dreaded SCHEDULE.
Yep, as I quickly discovered, you must have a schedule when trying to manage all that goes into a college kid's insane day. Thankfully, God has helped me to create one and be disciplined in maintaining it (for the most part).
A typical college day would go something like this:
Wake up at 6-6:30 each morning.
Try to get to breakfast every morning. Some mornings I have them in the dorm because I really want to sleep in or I need to eat up something in my room that might go bad.
Do classes, and fit meals, practicing, and homework around them (in that order).
Practice at least two hours a day (sometimes I can do more).
Get back to the dorm usually after dinner (this varies alot, though).
Do homework/fun stuff until 11-12, when I go to bed.
I'm taking 16 credits this semester, which is slightly on the heavy side of things. My classes are:
Music Theory,
Aural Skills,
Music Philosophy and Aesthetics (a very interesting class!)
Intro to Humanities (another interesting class)
Spiritual Formation
and Choir.
I'm actually not in class a whole lot - about 2-3 hours each day (except for Monday, which is insane - 5 hours). Most of my time actually goes towards doing homework and practicing in rooms like this:
Also, walking to and from my dorm takes up a lot of my time, because it's the furthest one away from everything (and technically could be called "off campus"). It takes me about 5-10 minutes to get to the DMC, which is the building that has the music department (and where I basically live).
This is what I see practically every morning walking to breakfast. The beauty makes up for the cold. ;)
Yes, so that's what my schedule, classes, and days are usually like! Busy, packed, stressful at times, and yet so rewarding. As long as I stay disciplined, I am blessed. And I thank God for every day of it!
Unfortunately, I may disappear again for a little bit, but I have a blog hop-ish thing in the works for when I return!
Here is another turn of the kaleidoscope of college. This time, the dreaded SCHEDULE.
Yep, as I quickly discovered, you must have a schedule when trying to manage all that goes into a college kid's insane day. Thankfully, God has helped me to create one and be disciplined in maintaining it (for the most part).
A typical college day would go something like this:
Wake up at 6-6:30 each morning.
Try to get to breakfast every morning. Some mornings I have them in the dorm because I really want to sleep in or I need to eat up something in my room that might go bad.
Do classes, and fit meals, practicing, and homework around them (in that order).
Practice at least two hours a day (sometimes I can do more).
Get back to the dorm usually after dinner (this varies alot, though).
Do homework/fun stuff until 11-12, when I go to bed.
I'm taking 16 credits this semester, which is slightly on the heavy side of things. My classes are:
Music Theory,
Aural Skills,
Music Philosophy and Aesthetics (a very interesting class!)
Intro to Humanities (another interesting class)
Spiritual Formation
and Choir.
I'm actually not in class a whole lot - about 2-3 hours each day (except for Monday, which is insane - 5 hours). Most of my time actually goes towards doing homework and practicing in rooms like this:
Also, walking to and from my dorm takes up a lot of my time, because it's the furthest one away from everything (and technically could be called "off campus"). It takes me about 5-10 minutes to get to the DMC, which is the building that has the music department (and where I basically live).
This is what I see practically every morning walking to breakfast. The beauty makes up for the cold. ;)
Yes, so that's what my schedule, classes, and days are usually like! Busy, packed, stressful at times, and yet so rewarding. As long as I stay disciplined, I am blessed. And I thank God for every day of it!
Unfortunately, I may disappear again for a little bit, but I have a blog hop-ish thing in the works for when I return!
8.18.2010
I'm Pressing On (Guest Post)
Moving on.
Whatever the situation, it's one of the hardest things we must do. Friendships...ideas...dreams...our memories are steeped in the past while we forget about our lives in the present.
As of last November, I'd moved three times in the past year and a half. With my first move, I missed my old friends desperately and would have given anything to "go back home." And each time I visited my friends and family where I used to live, I got a little more distant, a little more detached--sometimes without my knowing it.
One year ago, all I wanted was to move back to where I used to live. I remember mistakenly wishing that I had never moved to the Midwest.
But I wouldn't trade anything in the whole world for the one year I spent out there. Not another year back in my old home, another year with my old friends, another year anywhere else. Because in each place I've been, God has given me friends and experiences that in my mind are worth far more than any worldly possession.
At the same time, He was slowly prying me apart from my old friends. I think of friendships that were, friendships that used to be so strong, and I want to cry because the girls are so different now, it's like I don't know them. And a part of my mind thinks, If I hadn't moved, if I had stayed here, maybe we would still be friends...I wouldn't have missed out all the things they did together, without me...
Yes, that's true. I'd have an entire year of memories with them, in my old home.
And an entire year in the Midwest wouldn't be in my memory. Those friends, the girls I became so close with, I wouldn't even know. The family vacations, the sleepovers, the youth group meetings, the freezing cold winter (well, that I'm not missing too much), the volleyball practices, the laughter. Something would be missing, a really big something, a huge part of my life.
It take me a long time to realize that that part of my life lives in my memory, but it's not who I am anymore. I love that part of my life... but I can't get it back. Rather, God has put me where I am for a reason.
You're where you are now because God has planted you there. Yes, maybe you're missing your friends, your old home, your church. But would God have put you there if he didn't have a plan? Would he do anything without a plan? Is missing someone, or something, any reason to not live life fully? (which is something I struggle with hugely, so don't feel alone.)
At times I still regret my leaving. Old friends have grown close to each other while I've grown farther. But, my sisters in Christ, some of the best advice I can offer you, if you have similiar thoughts--move on! Yes, it's difficult, and I know from having done it myself. But there are friends, memories, places to go and things to see where you are right now, and if you sit back in the past and wish for what's gone, you'll miss it on the life God has given you.
Pressing on doesn't mean you have to forget your past. Keep your memories in your heart and don't let go of them...just don't let them blind you to the blessings and friends Jesus is placing in your life right now.
There's something else I've realized only recently--I don't want to go back. Even if I could, I wouldn't. I'm here now with amazing friends and fantastic oppurtunities, and wherever I am, life has to be lived!
So, my sisters, live it. Wherever you are, whatever the situation, whoever and wherever you're missing, live out your life fully for Jesus--with no regrets!
About the author:
Whatever the situation, it's one of the hardest things we must do. Friendships...ideas...dreams...our memories are steeped in the past while we forget about our lives in the present.
As of last November, I'd moved three times in the past year and a half. With my first move, I missed my old friends desperately and would have given anything to "go back home." And each time I visited my friends and family where I used to live, I got a little more distant, a little more detached--sometimes without my knowing it.
One year ago, all I wanted was to move back to where I used to live. I remember mistakenly wishing that I had never moved to the Midwest.
But I wouldn't trade anything in the whole world for the one year I spent out there. Not another year back in my old home, another year with my old friends, another year anywhere else. Because in each place I've been, God has given me friends and experiences that in my mind are worth far more than any worldly possession.
At the same time, He was slowly prying me apart from my old friends. I think of friendships that were, friendships that used to be so strong, and I want to cry because the girls are so different now, it's like I don't know them. And a part of my mind thinks, If I hadn't moved, if I had stayed here, maybe we would still be friends...I wouldn't have missed out all the things they did together, without me...
Yes, that's true. I'd have an entire year of memories with them, in my old home.
And an entire year in the Midwest wouldn't be in my memory. Those friends, the girls I became so close with, I wouldn't even know. The family vacations, the sleepovers, the youth group meetings, the freezing cold winter (well, that I'm not missing too much), the volleyball practices, the laughter. Something would be missing, a really big something, a huge part of my life.
It take me a long time to realize that that part of my life lives in my memory, but it's not who I am anymore. I love that part of my life... but I can't get it back. Rather, God has put me where I am for a reason.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
You're where you are now because God has planted you there. Yes, maybe you're missing your friends, your old home, your church. But would God have put you there if he didn't have a plan? Would he do anything without a plan? Is missing someone, or something, any reason to not live life fully? (which is something I struggle with hugely, so don't feel alone.)
At times I still regret my leaving. Old friends have grown close to each other while I've grown farther. But, my sisters in Christ, some of the best advice I can offer you, if you have similiar thoughts--move on! Yes, it's difficult, and I know from having done it myself. But there are friends, memories, places to go and things to see where you are right now, and if you sit back in the past and wish for what's gone, you'll miss it on the life God has given you.
Somewhere back there I left my worries all behind
My problems fell out of the back of my mind
We're going and I'm never knowing where we're going
To go back to where I was would just be wrong
I'm pressing on!
--I'm Pressing On by Relient K
Pressing on doesn't mean you have to forget your past. Keep your memories in your heart and don't let go of them...just don't let them blind you to the blessings and friends Jesus is placing in your life right now.
There's something else I've realized only recently--I don't want to go back. Even if I could, I wouldn't. I'm here now with amazing friends and fantastic oppurtunities, and wherever I am, life has to be lived!
So, my sisters, live it. Wherever you are, whatever the situation, whoever and wherever you're missing, live out your life fully for Jesus--with no regrets!
About the author:
My name is Caroline, and with my pen, camera, and Jesus, I intend to live every day to its fullest and honor God through the song that is my life. I have a passion for writing and stories, paired with a huge imagination. Thick novels, rosebuds, the ocean, summertime, raindrops, epic music, and fairytales are just a few of my favorite things. I blog over at A Writer's Life For Me. Thanks for reading, and God bless!
8.05.2010
What Would My Life Look Like?
Those of you who have done NaNoWriMo will know that winners get a coupon to "publish" a free proof copy of their book with CreateSpace. I have been editing the book I wrote for NaNoWriMo last November, but as it came up to the cut-off time for the offer (June 30th), I realized I was not going to get it all finished by that time. I cast around for another thing to publish, and then I thought of my poetry!
A few days (and late nights) later, I came up with this:
When it was shipped to my house a few weeks ago, I could not stop grinning. Seriously, I was so excited! The book looked much more professional than I had expected, and it was just so cool to hold a book of my own poetry in my hands!
This is only a proof copy, and I'm not planning on selling it or anything (at least not now). But it is still really cool to have something so professional-looking to lend to my friends and have on my bookshelf!
In honor of this grand occasion, I thought I would share another poem with you all. This one is very dear to my heart, and is truly my heart's desire:
What Would My Life Look Like?
What would my life look like
If I humbly obeyed God’s will,
Walking in His light
And listening to His guidance?
What would my life look like
If I refused to judge those I meet,
Instead, looking at them in the light of God’s love,
And treating them with kindness?
What would my life look like
If I used my gifts to build up the church,
Became an encourager, a supporter and server,
Doing all for Christ?
What would my life look like
If I radically changed my lifestyle
So I would always put others first
Instead of myself?
What would my life look like
If I discarded all idols and distractions,
And became so fully in tune with God
That He never left my thoughts?
What would my life look like
If I abandoned myself to furthering the gospel
Unashamedly taking every opportunity to tell the truth
Because it is my highest goal?
What would my life look like
If I was willing to stand up for Christ
Speak the truth to those who need it
Even if it meant death?
For I know that death with Christ is life evermore.
What would my life look like
If I humbly obeyed God’s will,
Walking in His light
And listening to His guidance?
What would my life look like
If I refused to judge those I meet,
Instead, looking at them in the light of God’s love,
And treating them with kindness?
What would my life look like
If I used my gifts to build up the church,
Became an encourager, a supporter and server,
Doing all for Christ?
What would my life look like
If I radically changed my lifestyle
So I would always put others first
Instead of myself?
What would my life look like
If I discarded all idols and distractions,
And became so fully in tune with God
That He never left my thoughts?
What would my life look like
If I abandoned myself to furthering the gospel
Unashamedly taking every opportunity to tell the truth
Because it is my highest goal?
What would my life look like
If I was willing to stand up for Christ
Speak the truth to those who need it
Even if it meant death?
For I know that death with Christ is life evermore.
Copyright Melody 2008
6.22.2010
Happy is the Word
1. I changed/modified my blog! I decided (after much deliberation) to go along with the "clean and fresh" look and got rid of my background (and changed a few other things). What do you think?
2. I finally got a haircut. (I kind of have a love-hate relationship with my hair: I love it when it's long because it looks nice, but I also hate it because it makes me hot and uncomfortable.) My friend cut it for me, and she did a great job. :) I think it was about two inches off, which is so much nicer and cooler for summer.
3. I'm still working on 30,000 words in 30 Days (and about 12,000 words behind!). I've taken to doing early morning writing sessions with a very good friend who is also a writer. We wake up at 6:00 am, get on our computers and write (and chat) together for a couple of hours. It really is enjoyable. :) And even though I am so behind, I'm still happy that I can write consistently each day.
4. I've composed a total of at least four songs this week. :) They're all still swirling around in my brain, and I don't want to lose them (or mix them up!), so I video'd myself playing them. If y'all ask nicely, I may post one or two.... ;)
5. God has really been blessing my life recently, in so many more ways than I can express or count. If I didn't have Him, my happiness would be fleeting and empty. But in Him, I have boundless delight.
6.11.2010
The Melody of my Life
I picked the name "Melody" as my name on the blog world for a reason. Music, inspiration, and words - that's what makes up a melody. And that's also what makes up my life.
This is my longer "About Me", which I thought you would enjoy. (It can be found by clicking on the "about me" in my header).
Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway on this post! It's ending tomorrow!
I LIKE... to think of my life as a song God is writing. I'm always looking to catch a glimpse of His illusive, ethereal melody which He has put in my heart. And I constantly try to put the unexplainable into words by my own musical compositions.
I LOOK... for the beauty in everything, because I know that the Creator made everything to reflect His beauty in some way. And I desire to proclaim His attributes to the world!
I WRITE... for God's glory. All my poems, my stories, my novels and my blog posts are written to reflect a little of the glory God has revealed in my life. I desire for them to be a catalyst to bring people closer to God.
I COMPOSE... to express myself. I play the piano, though I would love to play violin and guitar as well (and develop my voice). Playing on the piano is the easiest way for me to create beauty that reflects my Maker. My compositions are like dewdrops from my soul; reflecting my emotions as well as the One who composed my life.
I CAPTURE... God's creation in photography. I will admit I'm an amateur photographer, but I love to experiment, and I often will take a picture just because "it would be an awesome photograph!" I see beauty everywhere I look, and it's my desire to capture it as often as I can. (click here to see my photography blog)
I LOVE... my life. I am preparing for college, and I am holding tight to the memories and people I love. My friends, though few, are each rare jewels in my sight and God's, and I treasure them. My family is my source of support and stability, and I don't know where I'd be without them. My God is my sole satisfaction, and in Him I find boundless delight and comfort.
I AM... a Melody in the mouth of my Savior. I always have a song in my heart and on my lips. And I would have it no other way.
This is my longer "About Me", which I thought you would enjoy. (It can be found by clicking on the "about me" in my header).
Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway on this post! It's ending tomorrow!
I LIKE... to think of my life as a song God is writing. I'm always looking to catch a glimpse of His illusive, ethereal melody which He has put in my heart. And I constantly try to put the unexplainable into words by my own musical compositions.
I LOOK... for the beauty in everything, because I know that the Creator made everything to reflect His beauty in some way. And I desire to proclaim His attributes to the world!
I WRITE... for God's glory. All my poems, my stories, my novels and my blog posts are written to reflect a little of the glory God has revealed in my life. I desire for them to be a catalyst to bring people closer to God.
I COMPOSE... to express myself. I play the piano, though I would love to play violin and guitar as well (and develop my voice). Playing on the piano is the easiest way for me to create beauty that reflects my Maker. My compositions are like dewdrops from my soul; reflecting my emotions as well as the One who composed my life.
I CAPTURE... God's creation in photography. I will admit I'm an amateur photographer, but I love to experiment, and I often will take a picture just because "it would be an awesome photograph!" I see beauty everywhere I look, and it's my desire to capture it as often as I can. (click here to see my photography blog)
I LOVE... my life. I am preparing for college, and I am holding tight to the memories and people I love. My friends, though few, are each rare jewels in my sight and God's, and I treasure them. My family is my source of support and stability, and I don't know where I'd be without them. My God is my sole satisfaction, and in Him I find boundless delight and comfort.
I AM... a Melody in the mouth of my Savior. I always have a song in my heart and on my lips. And I would have it no other way.
6.08.2010
The Profoundness of Life
Awel over at Shilah is doing a new meme on Tuesdays. The theme is: "finding two inspiring thoughts for one day."
Well, I have some pretty deep thoughts for you. About life.
{1} Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you died? I know it's a rather gruesome question, and people often don't like to think about it. But I have, very recently, actually.
I had a near-death experience yesterday. It is actually a miracle that I'm still alive and here to post this post - I really should have been dead or at least badly injured.
Being that close to death really made me slow down and think. Think about the awesomeness of my God, and how He sends His guardian angels to watch over me and protect me. Think about all of the people near me who love me so very much, and all of the lives I touch or could touch. Think about all of the people I would want to say something to before I died.... the legacy I would be leaving behind.... what people would say of me. Would people say of my life, "She lived for Christ," or would they just say, "She was a good person."? I want it to be plain and clear to others that I'm living my life for Christ. After all, He has saved my life! I want everyone to know what He has done for me.
I want to challenge you, as I'm challenging myself - can others plainly see Christ in you? Is Christ the focus of your conversations, the one love and desire of your life? Or is He someone you like to keep hidden unless people actually ask you about him?
What do you think will be your legacy when you're gone? Will people remember you, or will they remember Christ in you?
{2} I wrote a song the other day, and I was having the hardest time coming up with a title for it. It doesn't have words, but it definitely evokes a mood. My brother said it sounded like a story - others said it sounded like a sunrise, or spring, or even the Redemption story. I posted it on facebook and got my friends' thoughts and advice, but still I couldn't come up with a suitable title. Finally yesterday morning, shortly before the near-death experience, I played it one last time. When I was done, I folded my hands and prayed, asking God to give me the title.
Well, He did.
I call it, "My Prayer".
(make sure to turn off the music player before watching the video)
Well, I have some pretty deep thoughts for you. About life.
{1} Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you died? I know it's a rather gruesome question, and people often don't like to think about it. But I have, very recently, actually.
I had a near-death experience yesterday. It is actually a miracle that I'm still alive and here to post this post - I really should have been dead or at least badly injured.
Being that close to death really made me slow down and think. Think about the awesomeness of my God, and how He sends His guardian angels to watch over me and protect me. Think about all of the people near me who love me so very much, and all of the lives I touch or could touch. Think about all of the people I would want to say something to before I died.... the legacy I would be leaving behind.... what people would say of me. Would people say of my life, "She lived for Christ," or would they just say, "She was a good person."? I want it to be plain and clear to others that I'm living my life for Christ. After all, He has saved my life! I want everyone to know what He has done for me.
I want to challenge you, as I'm challenging myself - can others plainly see Christ in you? Is Christ the focus of your conversations, the one love and desire of your life? Or is He someone you like to keep hidden unless people actually ask you about him?
What do you think will be your legacy when you're gone? Will people remember you, or will they remember Christ in you?
{2} I wrote a song the other day, and I was having the hardest time coming up with a title for it. It doesn't have words, but it definitely evokes a mood. My brother said it sounded like a story - others said it sounded like a sunrise, or spring, or even the Redemption story. I posted it on facebook and got my friends' thoughts and advice, but still I couldn't come up with a suitable title. Finally yesterday morning, shortly before the near-death experience, I played it one last time. When I was done, I folded my hands and prayed, asking God to give me the title.
Well, He did.
I call it, "My Prayer".
(make sure to turn off the music player before watching the video)
3.16.2010
Things I love
Spring!
Going outside with my kitty
Piano
Finding a beloved old book and loving it just as much as the first time I read it.
My awesome new camera and best friend who gave it to me!
Playing around with special effects & macro:
Life
Going outside with my kitty
Piano
Finding a beloved old book and loving it just as much as the first time I read it.
My awesome new camera and best friend who gave it to me!
Playing around with special effects & macro:
Life
(all pictures copyright Melody '10)
And lastly, I'd love if you vote on my poll in the top right corner! Thanks! :D
