When Your Heart Cries

 Last night, I was picking up a book to read. Just a pleasure book that had nothing to do with school or learning about anyhting. A couple of days ago, I had been meaning to do a devotion after I got home from a run, but got caught up in chores and forgot my plans. Then when picking up this pleasure book, I saw my notebook that I take to church with me. In it, it has notes from every message i've attended for the last 2 years or more. I thought for a moment. My heart was crying out for God, and I knew it. Maybe just a few pages of this book then I will study God's word. That was my thought. I opened the book and began to read, but the words were so empty. From there I couldn't wait any longer. I found my bible (I had been taking care of the kids at our church the last few Sundays, so I had left my bible downstairs), grabbed a sheet of prayer requests, and turned on my ipod. I guess most people don't listen to music when they are trying to read, but I find it nice to have something playing in the background. I began reading Proverbs, but upon looking at the prayer sheet, I saw Psalms 68. It was amazing. God is so good to give us books like the Psalms. I couldn't stop reading!! I went all the way through chapter 70. As I was reading the song "I Adore You" by Rebecca St. James came on. I began to tear up as I listened to this song. It was excactly my prayer. God works in mysterious ways. Yet wonderful ways. My heart was crying out for Him, and I couldn't ignore it. "Blesses be the Lord, who daily bears up; God is our salvation, and to God, the Lord, belong deliverance from death." Psalms 68:19&20.

-Bailey

Living For Christ in Everything

 At Care Group (or small group for church) last night, I was talking to some friends about movies. We ended up on the subject of Transformers, and the fact that one girl only really watched 30 minutes of the movie due to all the fast-forwarding they had to do. Skipping over bad parts. Why would you even watch something like that if you only get like 30 minutes?

 Then other movies came up, and all the while I was just thinking: "You are a Christian. Why are you watching this stuff?!" But it isn't just movies. It's books, music, media, and even people. As Christians, we have to give things up so we can live completely for Christ. That might be a movie you really wanted to see. But if it has a bazillion cuss words or inappropriate content, then you shouldn't watch it. It's not gonna' glorify God in any way.

 Living for Christ means glorifying Him in all you do. This isn't always easy. I really want to see this movie, or read this book, or listen to this song. But if I love God as much as I say I do, then giving up something small like that will be easy. You will be happier after you give something up, because God will fill the space it left. It's refreshing really.

 My fall is music. I LOVE music. All kinds. And sometimes, I like a song that isn't Godly at all. I have learned that I can't always listen to everything. And I was happy to give up Katy Perry, or Maroon 5 (that was really hard, since I grew up with Maroon 5). Giving something up for God is the best reason to give something up.

 When you remove those un-Godly things, it makes room so you can fill those areas of your life with more of God. Less time watching movies and listening to music, more time to spend with Him. Loving Jesus means changing your ways to suit Him. And trust me, it's worth it. :)

 -Bailey

My New Favorite Song...

    Paramore is rockin'! After listening to some old 80's songs with my dad, he let me show him this one. It's from the third Transformers   movie. I officially love it! Enjoy! -Bailey

    
                

Amazing Pics

 The last post was our 50th post!!!! Yah!!!

  Now to business. Some of these pics I got from "The Guys" blog. If you are one of "The Guys" you know who you are (Grant, Brient, Henry, Jack, Dennis, and Ben). It was either Hardcore and Etc. or Bear Grylls is Really Awesome. I believe you can check out Hardcore under our "Blogs to Check Out" page. Enjoy the crazy and fun pics with some commentary from yours truly :)

                 
                          Well... I don't really have much to say other than he had better aim high.

   

:) This guy plays better than me. If you have seen me play ping-pong (or any sport involving had-eye coordination) then you know that even this lizard is better.

I really love this one. Poor dog. I wonder just how they got this pic...photo shop?

                       Ah, yes. Paramore. Bestest band other than my other faves. Gotta love em'.

                     After half a semester studying this fairytale (ask me later), this was a refreshing sight to see. I never liked the "Prince" after his transformation. He couldn't pull off a ponytail.

             
                  And last but not least, a picture I took myself. It's of my piano at home. I really do like this picture. More to come over the summer I suppose. And don't be surprised if they are a little crazy ;)

  -Bailey

Randomness...again.

 I am done with school. YES.

Whenever I tell someone I'm home schooled, they usually look like they have been slapped by a leprechaun.

Advance is in 5 days. OMIGOSH. It seems like we just came back from last years.

My friend Arianna has a gift. Whenever she listens to Christmas music...it gets cold. Or snows. That post where I said it was 50 degrees? Yah that was after she listened to Christmas music.

I had candy for breakfast (NOT USUAL!! I have never had candy for breakfast before, nor do I plan to.)

I am not planning on playing any sports in the summer. Man I will stink for the  regular season swimming!

My family and I went to a really beautiful wedding last night. It was a lot of fun :)

I am so bored, I can't think straight! It's a Saturday when my family doesn't want to do anything.

I had a dream last night that I went to San Fransisco. It was really awesome.

I am going to get off now...but I will leave you with an awesome music video. Enjoy.

 -Bailey

ps. It's 5 days to Advance XI. Just to remind you ;)

  

Born Again: More Than Just a Make Over

  Last year at Advance, Mark Altrogge spoke on being born again. He explained that it's a process where God takes away your old heart, and gives you a new one that is joined with Christ. Isn't that cool?! We now have a heart joined with Christ Jesus!

  He also explained that you are now as if you haven't sinned. Your slate has been wiped clean, you could say. I was thinking about this earlier, and came up with a little thing to help describe what has happened to me. I have been REmade, REjuvinated, REdeemed. It's true! If you born again in Christ, then you are the same.

This song by Tenth Avenue North that describes this perfectly. You aren't what you've done.

      Truly an awesome song!

     I hope to post some pictures, and maybe some links to messages from Advance. They are really worth checking out :) Have an awesome day! -Bailey

Music, and Just How Much it Means to Me.

   I have 2 ipods, a Grooveshark, a Pandora, a Youtube, and 100's of CD's. All of these are devoted to music. Music, other than God, is my passion. I love it so much! I have no idea what my life would be like without it!

   Last night, I was listening to a song from my new favorite soundtrack: Inception. (Which is also my fave movie) The song was called "Time". I just closed my eyes, and let my thought wander while I listened to it. I know that sounds kinda' cheesy, but I seriously got goosebumps listening to it.

   In the last few years, I have realized that passion in my life that God put there himself. Last night as I thought more about it, I realized that I have loved music my whole life! When I was very little, making up songs on my little keyboard thing (You know the kid version of a xylophone? With the colored keys? Yah I loved that thing :p). My best friends tell me that I have been singing little songs I made up in my head since that time as well. I realized that my music classes have always been the best part of the week. The piano especially. I love the way my fingers move across the keys...the fact that I make that sound is so amazing to me.

     Here is "Time", from the Inception soundtrack. Let it sink in as you listen to it, and you will really love this song. Gosh I feel as if I've written a book! I have a lot of school to finish, so unfortunately I must part from this post. (That was dramatic :p) Anyway, enjoy the music, and really appreciate your favorite song today. Worship God with your music and nothing can go wrong with it.
  -Bailey
 *You will have to pause the music player to watch this video, and the one in the last post. Sorry, I should have clarified earlier.

Music!

Hey ya'll!

   Go down to the bottom of the page and press play on the little purple ipod (haha :p) to hear some of my favorite music! It's really good stuff. We've got The Letter Black, The Fray, and Red. Granted these are some of there softer songs (so they don't get on your nerves :)), they are still awesome. I'm trying to figure out how they will play automatically, but that can wait I guess. Have fun! -Bailey

A Few Recommendations :)

So. I was thinking. The things I am about to recommend to you are some humorous yet amazing things. Seriously though. Check em out!

   Movies: True Grit- Super awesome! Loved it. Blood, gore, and language are my only concerns. Ok maybe not the blood and gore but let me tell you: Rooster Cogburn is a potty mouth :p

                Newsies- Old yet amazing. It's Batman singing and dancing!

               Inception- LOVE IT! Kinda confusing at first but gets better :)

Music:  It Is Well-Kutless- It's excellently put together, and the rockin' spin on old hymns is really good.

           Until We Have Faces-Red- These guys put so much work into this album, and it turned out great! I really enjoyed it.

 Bible: Proverbs. Go. Read. Now. It's helping me so much!! I love God!

 Have a great weekend!

Relay Talent Show 2010 - Christmas Eve Sarajevo

These guys are really talented and creative. The rocker in me loes this act :) Enjoy!

"Air Tap" played by Kyle

This is Kyle, and he is performing in my youth group's talent show. He is amazingly talented! He learned this song by ear, and taught himself to play the guitar. More acts from the show to come!

"The Heart Asks Pleasure First" by Michael Nyman

This is my friend Nathan! He is (obviously!) a very talented pianist! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!