52 Lists: Week Nine

Week Nine // List the Places You Want to Go

As usual on Wednesdays, I do my 52 lists challenge by Moorea Seal. This week was a fun one list considering Tony and I have lots of places we still desire to go to. Luckily, I've done a lot on this list but I'm always ready to do more! Plus, the lists now have a 'challenge' that coincide with the topic. This week was a challenge of where I'll go based on what I stated!

A lot of these places are on Tony and I's 'bucket lists' of adventures: cave exploring, Ireland, Oregon, and Big Bend Park, just to name a few. ;) We love to be on the go, and try having new adventures in new places (and old places!) Of course, some of these are definitely not happening anytime soon but that doesn't mean I can't dream!

These week I'm going to challenge myself to take some well needed time in nature with Tony, and hopefully visit a flea market this weekend! 

Where do you want to go?

52 Lists: Week Eight

Week Eight // List Your Favorite Albums 

I loved this topic. For anyone of you that know me, I love music. I have always had a huge connection with music and instruments. In fact, I started singing around eight and was introduced to my first guitar at ten. In my Spiritual life, worship is my go-to. I have always experienced God's presence the most during worship. One of my previous passions was even to be a worship pastor! Funny to think of that now, but that's definitely not the direction God is taking me in. 

Although I do have such a passion for music, I have a small list of favorite albums. Simply because I have to really love an album for it to be my favorite. I treat music as worship, so if an album can spiritually move me + there's talent, then it's a favorite. So here's a list of my favorites: 

This is somewhat of a weird compilation of favorites, but my goodness these bands are beautiful.

The Psalters is a hard band to describe, but basically they're a nomadic-christian-worship band, with some Gypsy /African sound influences. Awesome, right?! Anytime I need my Spirits lifted / I want to go crazy, this is the band I listen to. The best part is how different they are. They're definitely an acquired taste. You either like them or you don't.

Jerusalem was a local band here in Houston that broke up a while back. Although they weren't anything big like some bands, they're music was powerful. In fact, I'm listening to them right now. Their passion is evident, and their lyrics are them crying out to God. You could say they're indie rock.

Branches is slowly on the rise to fame. They're a Christian folk band from California. Tony and I got the chance to see them at SXSW this year, and they were awesome. They're definitely a band of joy, and they put a twist on folk worship.

You all know Mumford & Sons, but they're definitely an all time favorite. "Sigh No More" is an album that truly shows a heart searching for the Lord in brokenness. Although they may not be a "Christian" band, I find myself relating to a lot of his lyrics.

I started listening to Listener not too long ago, but they were an instant favorite. They're definitely a huge spin on music. Basically a lot of passionate yelling over some talented musicians. They are story tellers, and best of all they are worshiping with their stories. A little harder to dissect, but beautifully spoken.

My Epic is another Christian rock-ish band that I can't really put into a category. They are definitely another image of a heart seeking after the Lord. Their songs are filled with talent and written with precision and honesty.

Paul Baribeau may not be a Christian (that I know of), but his music is down to earth, catchy, and real. He talks about real issues and his experiences all in a fun way. You can't not be happy when listening to his music.

Last but not least, As Cities Burn will always be one of my favorites. I can't explain the feelings I get when I listen to them. A mix of emotions, but for me I sing it to the Lord. This album, although one of their newest, is my favorite simply because of the moments of quietness, seeking, and then moments of boldness and beauty. They are an incredibly talented band. Luckily, I saw them at one of their shows this past year. They didn't play much from this album, but they still blew me out of the water.

Take a listen to all of these bands. They're all different, talented, and incredible. 

52 Lists: Week Seven

This week's topic for 52 Lists was "List the things that make you feel healthy... mind, body, & soul." It's interesting how most of us connect being healthy with only being physically healthy; being healthy means eating right, working out, etc. But being healthy goes far more than just physically. It is also mentally and spiritually. Maybe you work out, but do you allow your spirit to work and your mind to work as well? Maybe you eat right, but are you doing and experiencing healthy things for you spirit and mind?

This simple list really allowed me to think about being 'healthy' in not just a body sense, but also in a spiritual sense. How do I keep my heart healthy, my thoughts, my spirit? How am I living day to day truly being healthy? Although I love how refreshing it feels to do yoga and eat good foods, it is beyond fulfilling to pray, worship, have intimacy with Lord, or simply allow Him to cleanse me of my sin, struggles, and burdens.

He is sovereign, holy, and just. He wants us to guard our bodies like a temple, but even more so He wants us to guard our hearts and our mind.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." -Proverbs 4:23

52 Lists: Week Six

I know, I know. This is the second time I've been late on my list for the week. For those of you who are first-time readers. I usually post my 52 Lists series by Moorea Seal on Wednesdays, but because of the roadtrip I haven't been posting nearly as much or on time...

This week's list was one that was really special. "List the ways in which you can love others." How often do we really sit down and just think of ways to truly love others? I don't mean the kind of love only given to a significant other. I mean loving someone how the Father loves us. As a follower of Christ, my mission everyday is to love. As hard as it gets, I strive to love. He has built my heart to love without end. Why? Not to do it for 'good feels' or some kind of credit, but because of His tremendous, unceasing love. I want to show others what it means to be rich in love, and I mean real love. Not some kind of half way, conditional, sentimental feeling. I mean love that has been made, perfected, and abounded through the Lord. Now that is love. He has designed us to love the man on the street corner who doesn't know what his next meal will be, and the man who is the CEO of a company with over a million in his bank account. He has given us love for a reason, and He wants us to use it. 

How are you going to love someone this week?

52 Lists: Week Five

I am definitely a little late on my usual Wednesday posts on 52 Lists. But because of me being out of town right now, my blogging is definitely a little 'off.' Hey, that's okay though. I'm having much more fun spending time in the beautiful woods and snow, instead of blogging all day long. ;) 

This week's topic was 'list what you are grateful for.' I liked thinking of things I have been blessed with. It reminded me of just how good the Lord is. From Him giving me His word and love all the way to the simple outdoors and cup of joe. I am so grateful to know my God and to receive the things He has so sweetly given us.

What are you grateful for?

52 Lists: Week Four

I totally realized this past week that I skipped week four of my 52 lists. It's just been such a hectic month. But anyways, today I will be resuming this series. I'm still getting the hang of 'blog series' and motivation for posting. It's kind of weird, but hey I love it.

This weeks topic is List Your Current & Future Goals And Dreams. This is something I love to talk about. I do believe the Lord has provided me with spiritual strengths and passions that completely line up with His will for my life. My goals and dreams are simply an image of what He's done in my heart. Talking about what I want to do someday reminds me more and more of how God uses us, even when we see ourselves as so unworthy. He chooses us to spread the Gospel! How awesome is that? I love to be used by Him, and one of my earnest prayers is that I am constantly matching up my life with His will on a daily basis. Not just sometimes or every now and then... everyday I want to be doing what He has so intimately planned for me.

I hope this week's topic will help you make a list or think of some of your dreams and goals. It's always good to be pushing forward, to something worth seeking.

Comment below and tell me what your future goals and dreams are!

52 Lists: Week Three

This week was definitely a harder list to do than most. I can't find myself simply writing sentences about myself and only myself. I have overcome pride and a self-centered personality, and stepping back into that is a dangerous zone. This weeks topic was: List things you should be proud of. That word 'proud' is not a word that sits well with me. Of course I'm proud of some things, and at times I can be proud of myself. But all in all, it's another thing that only describes ourselves. It only focuses on the light of ourselves and how we feel, how we see it. At one point I was definitely a prideful person, and of course sometimes I still struggle with that,. But the Lord has changed my spirit into complete humility. I do not want to be proud of myself or the things that I have accomplished. That is useless. Spending my time simply thinking about what I have done, and not looking at the bigger picture is just selfish in my eyes. I have overcome selfishness, and I never want to return in its waters.

Since I didn't want to just skip over this week, I wrote two sentences. Two sentences of the only things I want to be proud of.

I only want to be proud of my Father. I want to be basking in His glory and amazed at the work He does every single day. He moves, He changes, and He transforms us. So why shouldn't we be filled with pride for Him? Not proud of myself, but so proud of the Lord. I am proud that He rescues and saves.

The only thing I know, is that I am a lost sheep proud of my shepherd. 

52 Lists: Week Two

These weeks 52 lists was even more beautiful than the first. Listing my greatest comforts was comforting in itself. It reminded me of the beautiful and perfect deliverance I've found through Christ. It reminded me of the despair I've felt and the times I've hardened my heart towards Him, yet he never failed me. His grace and love has abounded me, and it has been more than enough to rescue me from the valley of the shadow of death. Even those small, almost unrecognizable moments of comfort remind me that the Lord loves us, and He sends His comfort through those around us. He uses people in my life, such as Tony and my friends, to remind us that we are daily used by Christ. Daily we are called to do something more.

Take sometime today to either write down, or simply think about, some things in your life that are your greatest comforts.

52 Lists: Week One

I came across an awesome project that I really, really liked. Moorea Seal began a project on her blog called 52 Lists. Every week she posts a new list prompt/topic. It's quite fun simply sitting down and writing a list. It really does show some things about yourself that you, otherwise, don't think about too often. All the lists are in a downloadable PDF file every week, in order for you to print it out, open it up on word, post it on your blog, or whatever else your heart desires.

This weeks list, is 'Words that Touch Your Soul.' Words are a funny thing, aren't they? The connotation a word holds to it, the delicate curves and dips on the tongue can move your heart, bring a smile to your face, or bring up things you've tucked away for years. We get so caught up in words. The details of every word can or will affect us in some way or another.

I love this list, and I loved doing this list. Things that touch my soul are things of the Lord, so of course many of my words pertain to that. It was so nice being able to sit there and think of words that describe Him, or that describe us, His creation. Although He is holy and faultless, we are imperfect yet He loves us so unconditionally. These words are beautiful to me, and they touch my soul in someway or another. What words touch your soul?