Mark Driscoll

I first heard of Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church when Truman, Micah, and I attended a church service in downtown Lincoln. They showed a podcast of Mark preaching about marriage and a man's role. I was immediately drawn to his teaching style and loved how he presented the raw truth--even if it didn't sound nice.

Since then, I have listened to quite a few podcasts and read a few of his books. My understanding of Christ and my relationship with him and everyone around me has grown so much because of these teachings. I owe it all to God, of course, because it is His word we're studying after all, but Pastor Mark really does a great job of breaking things down.

Look him up on itunes. Seriously. It's free.

A few of my favorites:

-Proverbs: Friendship

-Trial: Marriage and Women

-Trial: Temptation From Worldliness

-The Peasant Princess series

If you decide to give these a shot, please let me know. I'm dying to discuss them with someone!

Cheers, J.

Nebraskan Pride?

This summer I have become pleasantly surprised with Nebraska.

I owe this enlightenment all to God because he showed me it was possible to be content in this...boring...state.

Not only have I learned to enjoy the slow pace of life, I have become incredibly impressed with the music scene. For years and years I have been begging friends to go to a music festival to see some of my favorite bands. Each year I am disappointed. Crazy enough, some of those bands will now be coming to me.

Unfortunately, I don't have the funds to see everyone so I have chosen my very favorites. I have been fortunate enough to already see Manchester Orchestra, Megafaun, & Ingrid Michaelson. The rest of the summer/fall will entail The Dodos, William Fitzsimmons & Rosi Golan, Fruit Bats/Nathaniel Rateliff, She & Him, Band of Horses, and Azure Ray...holy cow. When did Nebraska become so hip and trendy!?!?

I better start saving...

Sincerely,

A VERY content young lady.

Embrace Friendship.

One resolution of mine was to embrace friendship. It's important that I do this because I am somewhat of a hermit. I find it easier to avoid the vulnerability of being a friend than to risk being disappointed. But being alone isn't what God intended for His children. Companionship is a gift from Him.

The truth is--we're human and we will disappoint our friends numerous times. What I have learned this past year is that pursuing relationships with Godly women is worth it.

I have made two really great life-long friends. I didn't realize how lucky I was to have them until I was no longer living with them. They have taught me so much about grace, unconditional love (since I can be a huge pain in the butt), and living life with a kind spirit. I admire and appreciate them more than they will ever know.

I'm still really awkward at making new friends, but here is what I have learned in the past 6 months...

1) To surround yourself with christian friends is the most important and rewarding thing.

and

2) There isn't a closer bond to form with a friend than to pursue Christ together.

I have a LONG ways to go in the friendship department, but I am truly blessed to have these wonderful women in my life.

J.

Rosi Golan

I can't stop listening to this song. There is something so warm and romantic about it. I have been on this Rosi Golan high lately. She writes beautiful music and she did vocals for William Fitzsimmons (a very talented songwriter). Better yet, she is touring with Mr. Fitzsimmons when he comes to Lincoln. You can bet your bottom dollar that I will be there.

Enjoy!

Befriending Birds.

I went to a shower for Sharon a few weeks ago.

Her cousins planned it and I had a really great time. It was so inspiring to be around all these godly women. Hearing them go around in a circle and speak about what they have learned thus far in marriage brought tears to my eyes. Sharon is blessed with a wonderful family.

Back to the party...the food was fantastic and the decorations were charming. The favors were so neat. These cute little heart-shaped ornaments made out of bird seeds. Though I didn't come up with the idea, I went home and hung mine up outside. So I'd say that passes for me being "green" for now.

J.

Back At It.

One of my resolutions was to start painting again. Sadly, it has been over 6 months and I haven't touched a brush. It took so long to gain motivation to even try. I enjoyed my art classes in college, but I hated the fact that I had to have a reason for every stroke I made on the paper.

I paint what I feel. I paint what I think will look good. I paint because it's therapy.

I will never be the next Jackson Pollock or Andy Warhol, but it felt so good to put something on paper.

J.

Abigail Washburn

I went a little music-crazy this weekend and bought two albums. I have a long list of albums I need to buy and the decision was tough, but I'm 100% happy with my choices. I decided on Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet and The Wheel.

Both albums are equally fantastic, but I wanted to focus on Abigail. I have expressed my love for the banjo numerous times so I won't put you through that again, but if you like anything folk/southern you will not be disappointed. She reminds me a little of Patty Griffin.

Her sound is just so light and flowy (not a real word). I feel like I need to be driving in the country with the windows down every time I listen to her. If you need an escape, give her a shot.

Cheers to the banjo,

J.

**I posted a video of her below.

Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet "A Fuller Wine"

A Personal Favorite.

I have so much in my music library that I occasionally forget the great tunes that I own. Manchester Orchestra being one of them. Their newest album was pure genius. Andy Hull is brilliant. Truman and I saw them last year in Omaha and minus the fact that there were a bunch of 40 year old drunk women stumbling around, it was a fantastic show.
"Shake It Out" is by far my favorite song. I still get chills listening to it. Thought I'd share.

J.