stop and smell the roses...

Every wish you took the time to stop and smell the roses? If you're anything like me, I'm going to go ahead and say...yeah you probably do; and once again if you're anything like me you find yourself so busy that in order to stop and smell the roses you have to actually schedule time to do it....

Maybe I just have my priorities mixed up. I'm not even in school right now and I'm barely getting time at work so where does my time go? I mean honestly...how am I so busy with absolutely nothing? I feel like I've wasted many days away, but I have to say (and quote a Brad Paisley song...) when I say that it was time well wasted. So maybe I didn't get the job applications I need or maybe I didn't clean the house. I did manage to spend time with my sister in Cincinnati, go over to my Nana's and just shoot the breeze for a while, bake cupcakes for some friends, and make two trips down to Kentucky to see one of my best friends and an amazing guy. So maybe the choices I made weren't the most responsible decisions but who cares. It was time well wasted for me....

Fall is a season of change (yes...once again I'm talking about change. shocker). The leaves turn beautiful shades of golden yellows, fiery oranges, and brilliant reds. The weather shifts from the warm summer breezes to the crisp and nippy autumn winds. Fall is also the time when mothers are sending their babies off to their first days of kindergarten or watching their sons or daughters drive off to their freshman year of college. Fall brings lots of firsts and lots of changes. It's a beautiful season and an enjoyable time for me. It begs the question though...what is changing for me? What is that God wants to change in me? Now don't misconstrue what I'm saying into something like God can only work to change me in the fall. You'd be stupid to think that's what I'm saying. All I'm asking is what is it that God wants to change? I'm a flawed and fallen human being....God really has the pick of the litter in decided what I need to work on. What is it that you want me to work on now God? Show me my inevitable flaws.

God, I don't deserve any of this. I am so thankful for the blessings you've placed in my life. For the people you've taken away and for the people you've dropped in. God you are so amazing and I am so thankful to call you my Father. Thank you for all you've done and all you'll continue to do in my life. You continue to surprise me day after day and I don't deserve the blessings you've given me Lord. I'm so thankful.

Wait and See...

I've never been a huge fan of Christian music. Call me what you will...but I just don't like it. Too many bands try and give the "secular" sound and they just try far too hard and it annoys me....needless to say it's rare if there is Christian music play in my car. The only exceptions to that rule would be Brandon Heath, Francesca Battistelli, and Hillsong ....

Brandon Heath...his music is has that chill feel and his lyrics are so easily related to my life. He has a way of speaking straight into my heart and reminding me that God knows and God cares. Every aspect of my life, MY God is there and MY God has a plan. I just have to remember to let go and let God take the reigns.

Francesca Battistelli...her music is very similar to Brandon Heath's and does the same thing for me. It's just different seeing as it's from a female perspective. Her songs have reminded me so many times to just let go. Let go of my fears. Let go of my past. Let go and Let God. In God's love, despite my screw ups and failures...I'm free to be me.

Hillsong...by far the best praise and worship on the planet. I love singing along to their CD and just praising God. I've been told that going to one of their concerts is one of the best worship experiences of one's life. Just imagine it....a sold out arena, hundreds of thousands of people all singing together praises to an almighty God. That's just enough to put a chill down your spine...

Now I didn't mean for this to read like a music review because if you know anything about my music taste you'll know its pretty well...lame. I was just saying if you're anything like me and really don't dig on the Christian music scene, these are 3 phenomenal artists you should check out....

God is good. Sometimes I forget just how great. I get so caught up in the happenings of life and everything just comes at me all at once and I just need to stop...reflect...listen. Life is full of distractions and full of noise. Sometimes its good to just get away. I'm going to make it my goal to just sit in the quiet and pray, praise, and listen to what the Almighty Creator has for me. My life is yours God. Show me where to go.