My Soundtrack

I think one reason that I love movies so much is because it's life set to music. I've always loved music. There is always something to go along with my mood or change my mood. I can find sad songs to go with a sad mood, cause sometimes it's ok to be sad and cry--which music is one of the main things that can bring me to tears. Or I can find songs to pump me up and get me motivated to do something I really don't feel like doing--lately that's studying. Many times I can even truly experience God through worshiping with song. I like to sing at the top of my lungs (cause He likes the sound of it even if no human does) and just give everything in me to HIM.

Lately I've discovered a way to have my very own constant soundtrack for life. Almost like I'm in a movie of my life--I still haven't decided who will play me--like a continuous story that inspires me to keep going, especially on my bad culture shock days. What I do is just put on the ipod and go. I can choose the theme for that day or moment. So when I'm working out I can put on some kick butt music like Black Eyed Peas (the edited version) and get a good beat going. Or when I'm on my way to class I can put on 'To The Ends of The Earth' or 'You Said' and I remember why I'm going to class in the first place. It's almost like the music gets me to that meaningful realization moment that we see in every movie. Then best part is my theme music can change instantly as life gives me new challenges.

This may sound completely crazy to you. Not everyone connects with music. And really not everyone enjoys the range of music that I enjoy. I have a song to go with almost every memory that I have. Moments in high school, silly boys I once knew--and the break ups to follow, times with Stan from eight years ago when we started dating up until now. Some songs can take me back to driving in the car at a particular time going to a particular place. Nothing special about that time other than I just felt something and the music now goes along with that feeling. There are even a few songs that make me want to pick up a remote control, ruler or hairbrush and sing into it while doing a choreographed dance. I can thank Kitty, Tara and Carly for that. All this to say I'm really excited about the upcoming scenes in my movie life. I'm really excited about the music that will go along with those scenes. For today at least. Tomorrow may bring a sad song with tears, but oddly enough, I think I'm excited about that too.

Wordless Wednesday

Jesus, Thank You

This is a song that I have sung countless times, but this Sunday it was just the words I needed. Meant to share a couple of days ago but it's been raining here since Friday which means 'by law' I have to take a nap. You know you do it too!


Jesus, Thank You

The mystery of the cross
I can not comprehend,
The agonies of Calvary.
You, the perfect Holy One,
Crushed Your Son,
Who drank the bitter cup
Reserved for me.

Your blood has washed away my sin.
Jesus, thank you.
The Father's wrath completely satisfied,
Jesus, thank you.
Once your enemy,
Now seated at Your table,
Jesus, thank you.


By Your perfect sacrifice
I've been brought near.
Your enemy You've made Your friend.
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace,
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end.

Your blood has washed away my sin.
Jesus, thank you.
The Father's wrath completely satisfied,
Jesus, thank you.
Once your enemy,
Now seated at Your table,
Jesus, thank you.

Oh the shame

So I've discovered something about the education system here. In turn I have then discovered something about myself. The education system here uses the shame technique to get the students to perform. What I have discovered about myself...this does not work for me. My teacher is not mean. He is very friendly and always interested in our health, family, etc. It's just that we are called out in front of all the other students (my class only has four) and repeatedly told of our weaknesses and mistakes. Also because of this culture it is common to laugh at someone when they make a mistake--it's not mean here. Most days this doesn't bother, I can take it. But yesterday was almost too much. I really think a lot of it had to do with the time of the month, but still, there comes a time when just a little encouragement can do wonders. This is a VERY hard language, but my teacher thinks it's easy...maybe that has to do with the fact that he's been speaking it his WHOLE LIFE. I've only been in class two months. I mean give me a break.

I must say, I am very thankful for my tutor. She is very encouraging and also a good friend. Not to mention she is a fellow believer so she desires for me to learn language for the same reasons I do. I really don't know what I would do without her. So I will persevere through the last couple of months of this semester and then next, I hope with all my heart, I will not go to formal class and only meet with my tutor. It's just not fun to feel stupid.

Wordless(ish) Wednesday

(This is not completely wordless--obviously--but I wanted to apologize for the unoriginal pictures this week...it's a crazy week for us and so I'm just digging out two of the cutest faces you ever did see)