You (feat. Dixie Chicks)- Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers

March 15, 2011

Ahh the banjo! I am definitely going tomorrow to Rydell! I feel like looking and listening to music with the banjo has consumed my day. Thinking of wedding presents, Easter eggs, and summer. I really hope I can play, it just seems so pure. Bluegrass and Singer/Songwriters have become more prevalent in my playlist selections. Keeping Mr. Martin company is a newly discovered band The Wood Brothers and an old favorite, the Dixie Chicks. The instruments and words carrying the emotion of a culture. I think you could say anything with a banjo and it would make it four-hundred times cooler or soften the blow of the most crushing of news. If I end up being able to play, I think I'll write a break up song with it, 'cause who could be THAT disappointed whilst being sung the bad news?

"You"
This song has so many great components. I am probably saying this waay too much, but I mean it has the banjo! And it also has the beautiful voices of the Dixie Chicks. And the marriage of the two is perfect. I downloaded the album "Rare Bird Alert" today and with it came a digital booklet, which proves that I purchased it from iTunes. The song is about "love lost without regret, but with a lingering frisson of memory." I know that I haven't lived very long, and have loved a lot less, and lost even less than that. I feel like I keep drumming this lament into my head, but you know what, I don't care. Life is too short to sit and be mad about or regret decisions that we have made or things we have allowed to happen. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and we're never alone when we are going through the repercussions of said decisions.

I don't think that it is bad or unhealthy to look back on things we've done, but what I want to change and encourage is what we're looking at. In these experiences we have been given opportunities to learn about who we are, who we aren't, who we want to be, and Who is the only one who can get us there. He also brings us joy everyday. Life would look pretty uneventful if we got rid of all the stuff that we weren't happy with, and even more so, we wouldn't be able to see the greatness of all the amazing things in life.
Think about it. Think about it. (for you Amo)

"Things have changed, rearranged. Everything is new. Spirit's high, all blue sky. I've someone to talk to. But when I night is blue, I will think of you. Someone who, loves me too. After you withdrew. Kinder ways, better days. Words exchanged are true, but winter settles in. Thoughts of you begin. Tell me how, I allow this memory to go on? It is done, on the run. Nothing else to do, I know this mood's unreal. The heart takes time to heal. Time goes on, days are long. Summer's gone, you. Saturday, sadder days. Silence plays, you. And when the night is blue, I still think of you."

Cinci
And to the Psalm. Parties are great! Unless you're the uninvited, then they stink...a ton. I have been blissfuly ignorant to many of the goings on in the party realm, but knowing about them and not being remembered or intentionally left out really beats up the ole self-esteem. But as David writes, we're invited to the most intense party ever! This sounds kind of dumb, but it's exciting! The desire to be wanted is something we all strive for, and having it lived out is one of the greatest feelings ever. When someone tells you that they miss you or that an event would have been exponentially better if you were there, goodness, those are some of the sweetest words anyone could hear (especially as a girl, young lady, or woman).

In this Psalm, David calls himself "An invited guest" and do you want to know what he thinks about that? "it's incredible!" Can you imagine receiving that invitation in the mail or even trumping that over the phone (I wonder what You sound like. I imagine a deep, knowing voice. I'm hearing a voice like Morgan Freeman)? That would be THE most incredible feeling!

I guess going back to what I was saying about the song, and kind of my take on the difference between Christians and non-Christians, recognizing that I have messed up and that I, Annie-Grace Maria Shaffer, can do nothing of my own power to fix it, is something He wants us to know. He knows how broken we are, and He still wants us. All of us, all the dirty, gross things. But the people who think they have it figured out, who don't need anyone to help, well there isn't any room for Him there. He makes us new, wonderful, He is the one who is realizing our potential. He's there the whole dang time, loving us.

He not only has saved us, but pursues us! And He wants us to pursue Him too, He not only wants us, but wants to be known by us (Deuteronomy 4:29). He's all about us, like it's going out of style. So what are we waiting for? Who else wants all of us bad and good...ALL THE TIME. We can be blissful, but not ignorant. We're invited to God's fiesta, and as David writes:

"You welcome us with open arms when we run for cover to You. Let the party last all night! Stand guard over our celebration. You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight." Psalm 5:11-12 (The Message)

The Banjolin Song- Mumford and Sons

March 14, 2011 


I have to be completely honest, finding a song for today was difficult. I was able to walk around campus and ride the bus, which gave me a chance to get up close and personal with many of my new musical acquisitions. Even with all that time to listen, it wasn't until 6:27 p.m. that I had nailed down a song. I think that's just what kind of a day it's been, letting myself HAVE to motivate me to get things done. But with that being said, the latter half of my day was pretty productive considering that I have no real responsibilities other than school.


THE BANJOLIN SONG
This lovely piece of musical styling is brought to us by Mumford and Sons. They marked a turning point in my preference of genres. With their lyrics, instruments, and overall bravado, they altered my iTunes considerably, and for the better. I had previously not been a floksy, bluegrassy type of gal, but I have fallen in love with the banjo. I want to learn how to play and I think I may walk to Rydell Music Store and ask about the possibility of getting lessons. Not only would it help fill up my week and get me out of my apartment, but it would also allow me to experience music in a different way. I mean, if I succeed I can start to appreciate the process, and if I fail I can understand how talented and dedicated the people who make music are and I think change my love for it.


But the song itself, minus the melodic blending of the banjo, mandolin, and Marcus Mumford, is simple. Not many lyrics, but what they say means a lot, especially given my summer happenings and winter finishings. It sucks sometimes, but combining one of my (recently) most favorite sounds and hopeful lyrics lets me smile and be grateful for the good memories that I was able to share with someone and helps me keep my head up for my future adventures of the cardiac persuasion.


"Well my eyes shall see light again, and my heart shall bleed right again."


FOUR (the one that inspired my excursion through the Psalms)
It's true, this Psalm holds one of my most favorite verses (4:8). I have been looking forward to this for, well four whole days! I realized this yesterday, but forgot to write it in; Psalms are all songs. So maybe that is the connecting factor, seeing how important music is. A popular way to worship God is by singing about Him and to Him. And David played the Liar, which is a sort of harp, music is that personal way of talking to people and really commanding an audience. 


And that is something we have with Him, we don't necessarily have to break into song and dance while communicating with God, but it is a powerful way to connect. There is a part of this Psalm that says the "Lord hears when I call Him" and I know I've said it before, but how great is that? The guy who made everything not only listens, but wants desperately for us to talk to Him. He knows what's going on in our lives, but He wants to hear it from us. And you know what He does with that information, brings comfort. There have been so many times when I have had something, a desire, judgement, random thought, that I didn't particularly want to tell anyone else, but was more than happy to share with Him. Why? He already knows it. It's a lot easier to talk to someone who will listen and understand, and most importantly bring a peace no one else can. 


It's that peace that brings us joy in every circumstance. Yeah, things might not look great at a given point in time, but we have a God that not only listens, but one that loves. Loves with the biggest heart imaginable. And with that I want to go to verse eight. "At day's end I am ready for sound sleep, for You, God, put my life back together." (The Message). 
Thank You, God, for keeping my heart safe.


The Banjolin Song

Cripple Me- Elenowen

March 13, 2011


It's been a lazy Sunday, especially with all the daylight that we are saving. I am really missing Florida, but the weather was wonderful today. I'm struggling a little with my lenten promises, but hey, they're not supposed to be a piece of cake. The song today has something that has really been on my heart. Not entirely sure if the band is Christian, but everything that is good is God. So a truth that is honest and good is completely applicable to the most honest and good God.

la canción: Cripple Me 

I have acquired a massive amount of new music the past couple days (admittedly some in not the most legal of ways), but regardless it has made me realize how big a part it plays in my life. I think that there are so many times that songs say things so much better than I ever could. They embrace feelings and memories. They are powerful enough for us to link times in our lives to them, some we hold on to and others we would give anything to forget. 

This song is so great. First of all Elenowen is a super talented band. So chill. "Cripple Me" is kind of a prayer, more so now than it has been in the past. I've been talking a lot about trying to stay put in my life today. And what is a more permanent state of staying put than not having the ability to move. And more importantly, someone I don't want to move from. I mean just take my struggles about Lent, there are small things that can get me to willingly leave God's side. Paul says it a lot in his writings that he is a slave, a prisoner to Christ. I love God, whole heartedly, but some days I think it would be so much easier if He just held me there, keeping me fixed on Him. 

The first verse is telling of where I am, and where He will always be...here for me.

"I see you waiting, but I'm not ready To take that first step towards home 

So please be patient, God knows I'm trying
But these good intentions are not enough

You've pulled back your veil, laid it all on the line
But I've turned my back and covered my eyes

Please, please, please, please cripple me
So I cannot keep running away
Away from you"

Psalm: Trois

I'm taking a break from The Message version today. I use Biblegateway.com and it is incredibly helpful in looking at His Words in different ways. And for Psalm Three, I'm going with the New Living Translation. David is accredited with writing a majority of the Psalms, and three is no different. The gist of the Psalm is that David has a lot of enemies, something that seems to be a common theme for this cat. But the greater part of this Scripture is that he feels safe and confident in God, which is also something that he tends to write about. I think that hearing that God is bigger than any enemy, imaginable or unimaginable, is an idea we all could get drummed into our heads a little more. Maybe then we could live it out. Do I feel safe, because I should. He's got me. Jesus and the whole dying for our sins wasn't a last ditch effort, some spur of the moment decision. He knew that when He created the world, there would be a Savior, and that Savior has willed me to live. 

I think the greatest thing about writing this all out is it lets me tie other scripture to it. Matthew 6:26 "There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds." Careless in the care of God. So sleep well, "Lay down and sleep, wake up in safety, for the Lord is watching over you." (Psalm 3:5 Annie-Grace adapted)

He loves me. He loves you. He saved me. He saved you. We're never far from His reach.

Isaiah 49:16

Cripple Me

California Gurls- Katy Perry Feat. Snoop Dogg

March 12, 2011


Another day, another dollar. Today was a pretty great day, other than the fact that I had to leave Florida and resume my career as a student. It was filled with songs and Amo. It was about a nine hour ride (including stops) so we were afforded the opportunity to listen to a ton of music.


No matter how hard I try to connect today's Psalm and the song, they are just too different. Maybe one day they'll match up, He's got that way about Him.


The Song: California Gurls or more affectionately known as Ocala, Florida Girls
Man, I love Amy Ergle and this song will stick with me for a while. Katy and Snoop do an adequate job at explaining to the world why women from the 31st state are so great, but our revamped version about the chicas that hale from the 27th is so much better. It gave me an opportunity to flex my lyrical muscles, albeit somewhat poorly, and have a good time chilling in my apartment solo. The highlights of our fine city are played up, and our true southern nature is projected. Ocala, Florida girls are great! Most of my closest friends are from there and I am so glad that I was able to grow up in a town where you can know pretty much everyone with about 2 degrees of separation. It's home, but it's also great to branch out. And you know what, Mrs. Brand and Mr. Dogg make a great case for California, one of these days.


The Psalm: Dos
To be honest I have had to reread it a couple times, and I may do some more research about it. I am pretty positive that David wrote it, and I think when it says "It is your birthday" (The Message) and in a much more amped up version (ba dum chhhh) "I will declare the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, You are My Son; this day [I declare] I have begotten You" (Amplified Bible), that God is saying this to David. That God will do whatever David asks, to conquer these nations or to "throw them out with tomorrow's trash." That's crazy to me, but it is something we all have access to. I mean God's not a genie, He doesn't just give us everything, but I think what is amazing to me is that He is THAT accessible. We may not get a "Yes" on everything we want, but He invites us to ask and talk and be mad, be real. He wants us to talk to Him and because of Jesus we literally can talk to Him all day everyday. We don't have to butcher a fattened calf or build an alter to gain an audience with Our King. Jesus as the sacrifice gives us the ability to just say "Hey God, I'm struggling today" or "Lord, I love you" or "I really want a boyfriend." 


The last part of the Scripture for today "But if you make a run for God- you won't regret it." really sticks out for me. It brings to mind another verse John 11: 16 (The Message version says it best for me). Jesus is going to raise Lazarus from the dead, but the disciples know if they go they would be in danger. But good old Thomas says "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." It may seem morbid, but that's a faith I want. To be able to run after God, no matter the worldly consequence, and have complete confidence that it is the right, true, and best decision. A life lived out like that is a full one. Go for it. Just do it! Nike with Jesus!

Five Year's Time- Noah and the Whale

March 11, 2011

Well this is the first of hopefully many posts. I have wanted to write a blog for a little while, but I had no idea what I should write about and today it hit me. Well...kind of. I love music and I love God, not in that order, so here it is. My life via Psalms and the poetic prose of musicians that grace my itunes. I want to give credit where it is due, so Morgan Cogswell, thank you for your wonderful mixtapes and I hope this is entertaining for you!

Shall we begin? 

Today's song is "Five Year's Time" by Noah and the Whale and Psalm is 1. I highly encourage that the words of each to be looked up at the end of this little ditty. There are so many wonderful things about the scripture that cannot be summed up in a blog about it, for one because I am not a theological scholar so I can't do it justice. But one thing that I can do is point out the parts that I find helpful for me at this point in my life, at 10:51 p.m. on a Friday night in March. It says that "You chew on scripture day and night...always in blossom" The translation I will be using is The Message, The NIV translation of those verses is "The meditation on His law day and night...whatever they do prospers." Both very great things to hear, but visually chew is more vivid. I was kind of thinking about a cow that is just gnawing on some grass, continually...not stopping for anything. Which is something I think we could all do with the Word. Just sit on it all day, the great thing about it is that it is just as applicable now as it was when it was first penned. Just like He is just as present. The second part of that quote, the blossoming part is also nice to read. So many times we think that we're far from Him, not producing anything of value. Flowers are b-e-a-u-tiful and that's what we are to Him. I don't know, it's just something to think about.

I've realized that this is going to be scatter-y mainly because I'm writing it and also because these topics seem disjointed. Who knows, they might get better as the Psalms and days progress. Anywho...

The song. I've been listening to it on repeat whilst typing and have yet to get tired of it! I heard it in my car today and thought that this was the way I wanted to approach my relationships (romantic and otherwise) for the next couple months and maybe a while longer. It's about how we have no clue what's going to happen in the next five years, the relationship you're in could turn into love or you could not even be talking to one another. "But in my mind, I'm having a pretty good time with you." I mean, why do we look sooo far into the future that we analyze every move we make? I especially can't stick in the present. Looking ahead or behind, calculating what a certain action will dictate in my future, who I'll be, heck who I'll be with. I'm tired of it, it's exhausting. I am turning over the proverbial leaf. I want to be positive, and take everything for what it is, an experience to get to experience now. I put too much pressure on who or what I'll be doing in "Five Year's Time" that I am not letting myself enjoy today.


Five Year's Time