PENSIEVE

The happiest thing on the internet today (& probably any day)

From the first time Jovi's voice met Buddy the Elf's in "Baby it's Cold Outside, I've had mad love for Zooey Deschanel's jazzy vocals.  Mmmmmm, velvety, musical butter.  Delicious.

What a treat for she and 500 Days of Summer co-star and long-time friend Joe Gordon-Levitt to team up for this darling duet, crooning Nancy Wilson's "What Are You Doing New Years Eve?"  

Aren't they adorable?

Unrelated, if I could bottle and sell Joe's dimples, I'm pretty sure I could buy World Peace.  

Happy New Year, y'all.

 

Photo credit

They sang for their dinner

{This post will be most appreciated by people who actually know us...feel free to click away. :) }

 

"Hey--I've got a GREAT idea!" I tell 'em.  "After dinner, break into groups and re-write the lyrics to songs you know and then have a show for us!!"

They don't know me that well so they were polite, but since I got the stink eye from my daughter ~ complete with raised eyebrow and cocked head ~ I was gonna let the idea die a quick, natural death.  I was mostly kidding, anyway, though there was a serious-as-a-heart-attack part of me, too.  

After they finished two of the best desserts in the world, they did go their separate ways--

girls wrapped in blankets and conversation, the guys finding a guitar and keyboard in our playroom.  Music and laughter filled our home; music and laughter filled my heart.

About an hour later, we were summoned.  Had I known the wonderfulness in store, I would've grabbed my flip cam.  At least I had my cell phone to capture the debut of the Rachel Dance Christmas Song.  

FYI, there was no earthquake during filming; that's me trying and miserably failing to hold the camera steady.  I don't
t h i n k you can hear me snorting.... :)

How can you not have mad love for these guys?  Parts of the performance were brilliant, and the imperfect parts?  Well, those might've been my favorite.

I've included an original copy of the lyrics below since laughter drowned 'em out more than a few times.

She definitely chose the right college....

My favorite things (I'm betting you'll be writing your own version as you're reading mine!)

{sung to the tune of My Favorite Things, of course!}

Rain boots on Robin and soft fuzz of kittens

White lights on Christmas trees, soft chenille mittens

Coffee with friends, when my tea kettle sings,

These are a few of my favorite things.

 

Romantic comedies, cozy pajamas

Dark chocolate (with nuts), snowfall and tall llamas

Fluttering, fairy-like butterfly wings

These are a few of my favorite things.

 

God's lavish grace, lion's roar of the ocean

Bike rides and beaches and smelly-good lotion

My children's laughter and flowers in Spring

These are a few of my favorite things!

 

When I can't sleep, when my heart stings

When I'm feeling sad.

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad.

 

Inspired by a rainy day and the need to wear my rain boots; everything I've mentioned really is a favorite thing!!  Come on...you know you have a stanza or two waiting to be written!  Let's make this a sing-a-long!

 

Courageous

Mark Hall is awfully diplomatic in his new song Courageous, featured in the upcoming film of the same name.  Its unspoken battle cry is more like Man!  Up!! for goodness sakes!

Clearly why I'm not a successful lyricist :).  But if you read the lyrics below, you *might* just agree with me.

I'm a long-time fan of Casting Crowns; I've bought every one of their CDs since their debut and seen them in concert a few times.  Courageous is just one of the songs on Come to the Well, their upcoming album planned for an October release. 

Take a listen.  If you likey, you can download it for free!

 

Courageous lyrics

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chain
We were made to be courageous
We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing, unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of hearts cry
We will serve the Lord

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees we're lifting hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of God arise

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees, we're lifting hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

Seek justice
Love mercy
Walk on
Be with your God

In the war of the mind
I will make my stand
In the battle of the heart
And the battle of the hand

In the war of the mind
I will make my stand
In the battle of the heart
And the battle of the hand

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees, we're lifting hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

We were made to be courageous
Lord, make us courageous

I don't wanna live like I don't care....

I Refuse by Josh Wilson....convicting without condemnation, a song that preaches.  There's a huge difference between thinkin' about doing something and doing something.

Bonus:  If you live in the Chattanooga area, hear Josh perform this and much more--he's joining Matthew West for J103's Listener Appreciation Party on Friday, March 11.  Don't miss it!

 

Lyrics, for your convenience ~

Sometimes I, 
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone’s alright 
When I know they’re not.
This world needs God
But it’s easier to stand and watch. 
I could pray a prayer and just move on
Like nothing’s wrong.

But I refuse.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.

I can hear the least of these 
Crying out so desperately, 
And I know we are the hands and feet 
Of you, oh God.
So, if you say move,
Then it’s time for me to follow through,
And do what I was made to do.
Show them who you are.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.

To stand and watch 
The weary and lost 
Cry out for help.
I refuse
To turn my back 
And try and act like all is well.
I refuse
To stay unchanged,
To wait another day,
To die to myself.
I refuse
To make one more excuse. 

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.

Mercy, me...this is beautiful!

By Mercy Me, this song has a powerful message I wish every tween and teenage girl could hear.  But mostly believe.

 

The lyrics bear repeating--

Days will come when you don't have the strength
And all you hear is you're not worth anything 
Wondering if you ever could be loved
And if they truly saw your heart 
They'd see too much

You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful

Praying that you have the heart to fight 
Cuz you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
But they are nothing in the shadow of the cross

You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful

Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You're the one He madly loves
Enough to die!

You're beautiful, You're beautiful
In His eyes

You're beautiful!
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful!
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful!
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful!
You are treasured
You are sacred
You are His

Sing with me!!

A lyrical, post-Thanksgiving tribute to the Best Apple Pie in the World.

{Sung to the tune of "Oh where, oh where has my little dog gone?"}

 

Oh where, oh where has my apple pie gone?

Oh where, oh where can it be?

With its perfect pie crust,

And Rome apples, a must--

I guess I should always make three!

 

So, this pie wasn't quite perfect--the juicy apples cooked out & "glued" the crust to the pie plate--and yet, still, my family thinks it's the perfect dessert-punctuation to our holiday meals.  I love my  people ;).

 

What women (REALLY) want

You know how you can hear a song without really listening to it? And then when you do listen, you realize how potent it is?  Such was the case for me with Santus Real's "Lead Me."  

If you're familiar with this song (or click through to listen now), do you agree or disagree with my post title?  I'm curious to know your thoughts....

The inspiration for the song.  

Beautiful/Nerds

"We're the nerds...we sit at the nerd table at lunch."

It wasn't a pity party or a passive-aggressive attempt to coax a compliment from me, it was a declarative statement, a matter-of-fact assessment of "who" they were by one of their own:  a group of freshman girls who weren't the popular kids.  Though I tried my best never to show it, their own self-characterization hurt me for them.  

They were a band of sisters drawing strength from their number and, by profession more than action, their faith.  For a season they lived in shadowy margins. 

They weren't like I was back in the day.  I was the girl they were challenged not to hate. 

I loved these girls; I saw their potential.  Their choices protected and insulated them from a world of drama and hurt.  When I had one-on-one opportunity, I intentionally praised and encouraged them--kindness to others, an accomplishment in school, or sometimes plain ol' book cover judgment:  "You look beautiful today!"  

Thoughtful, intentioned words are oxygen.  
The heart can shrivel without them.

Images of airbrushed perfection haunt, taunt... a cruel assault from virtually every direction.  How much does it grieve me that high school girls are photoshopping their senior portraits, not just to hide a blemish, but to alter features and trim pounds?  

They're creating a history that never existed!

It has been years since I was a part of these girls' lives, but Nichole Nordeman's wonderful new song, Beautiful For Me, reminded me of their awkward season.  It's critical to tell our daughters early and often that they're beautiful; not focusing on the outside but seeding in their own minds how God sees them:  wonderfully made.  I pray my own daughter has heard this...and believes its truth.   

"Sweetpea Beauty ~ A Girl After God's Own Heart" is the soon-to-be-released dish by Big Ideas, the first Veggie-Tales adventure aimed at girls.  It looks darling. Nordeman's Beautiful For Me gives you a glimpse into the story.

Listen to the song.  Read the lyrics below.  Then seek out a young girl (or 12) to share this message with.  

BEAUTIFUL FOR ME

Nichole Nordeman

Every girl young and old has to face her own reflection
Twirl around, stare it down
What’s the mirror gonna say
With some luck, you’ll measure up
But you might not hold a candle to the rest

“Is that your best?” says the mirror to the mess

But there’s a whisper in the noise

Can you hear a little voice
and he says
Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?
You might agree if you could see what I see
Oh
‘Cuz everything about you is incredible

You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful for me

If it’s true beauty lies in the eye of the beholder

What my life and what’s inside to give him something to behold

I want a heart that’s captivating

I wanna hear my Father say

Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?

You might agree if you could see what I see

Oh

‘Cuz everything about you is incredible

You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful for me

Close your eyes

Look inside

Let me see the you that you’ve been trying to hide

Long ago, I made you so very beautiful

So I ought to know you’re beautiful

Has anybody told you you’re beautiful?

You might agree if you could see what I see

Yeah

‘Cuz everything about you is incredible

You should have seen me smile the day that I made you beautiful

You’re so beautiful

Beautiful for me

So beautiful for me

Has anybody told you?

Thanks to the amazingly talented Keely Scott for pointing me in this song's direction!

Beautiful Things

A freshly-turned 30-something introduced me to Gungor, and while I listened to their music, I read their story and a mad crush ensued.  Their eclectic stylings refuse conventional genre, so goshdarnit, they made up their own: "liturgical post-rock" for starters.  "Beautiful Things" is simple, breathy and hope-filled, "Dry Bones" (my favorite) begins softly and finishes big, and "God is Not a White Man"...well that one reminded me of a kinder, gentler Derek Webb (and it still makes its point).  

Reading their blog, I sense a genuine search for Jesus and exploration of their faith...and a slight chip on the shoulder for "traditional" church or maybe it's mainstream church.  The kinda chip that grows from a faith that knew it all and now doesn't, that is comfortable with questions that don't demand answer.  I think age and maturity imperceptibly whittle away those chips over time.  Lots and lots of time.

To introduce them to you, I stripped them of stage and presence and chose "The Earth is Yours," captured live in a forest.  Natural, organic...you'll really taste their flavor.