Struglife n. Definition: To struggle. In life. But to not really struggle. Just to over exaggerate that you struggle.

There are two things in life, besides Jesus, that I absolutely enjoy:
1. Photography
2. Music

1. Let's address photography. You have to be born with an eye for it. This isn't something that you can just wake up one day and do. You have to be able to see these things. Capture them in your mind. Create stories by an image.
Example:

This is a photo I found online of a bunch of people at Calvary Chapel in Corvallis, Oregon worshipping God with everything that they have. Look at the expression in the photo. That's gorgeous to capture God at work through a photo. It's almost like snapping a picture of God himself. These are his people.

Example 2:

Okay...WHAT. Obviously this is from National Geographic but you can't tell me that isn't pure beauty captured on a camera. You've got to have God's eye.
I hope one day my eye becomes just like that. Capturing images for the sake of the Father. To spread his beauty and love through photography.

2. Music. There's a certain fulfillment in listening to a perfect piece of music whether it be classical or hip-hop. For me, I prefer Indie/Indie-Alternative. I feel a little more vintage-y, edgy when I hear that. HA. Call me a hipster. Or like someone called me the other day, an "Old Soul".
Translation?
70's Hippie Wannabe with a Vintage-y feel.
I'm not complaining.
But anyway so I'd just like to share a few of my most prized songs with you.

Claustrophobe - Katie Todd Band

Bluesy Floozie - Tommy and the High Pilots
GET IT SONS.
Go hard or go home.

Sleeping Sickness -- City and Colour
Legitimately anything by Dallas is awesome. He just knows how to hear the music.

Skinny Love - Bon Iver
Cool name. Sweet song. Better voice.
What could be greater?

Best Music Video Award Goes To: OK GO
"A Million Ways"
Classic. So hilarious. They make this seem like an everyday activity. I'm still trying to figure out if it was them that choreographed this.
No...it couldn't be...

OH One more!
You Are - The Punch Brothers
Just give your ear a precious listen. I feel intelligent when I listen to this. Or possibly vintage. Maybe it's that one. Hipster. All those words people call me...that's what I feel when I listen to it.

Dude. I feel like it's a struggle to be serious while blogging. Okay. Making a pact now. Never being serious on a blog again unless I'm blogging about Jesus.
I mean. Technically i blogged about Jesus today but I don't think that counts. Cause it wasn't like ABOUT-about Him.
Struggle.
Strugtown.
Strugcity.
Struglife.

I figure I don't need to do a song of the day considering I just gave you, what, like 5 and a half?
Hmm. Let's round that off to 6. I still don't think that's correct. But screw it. I don't feel like going back to check.
It's not important anyhow and yet I still wrote a whole paragraph.

Okay I've GOT to stop blogging and actually get ready for work and finish that thing called homework. Oh and eat. Yeah. Guess I've got to replenish myself.
I'll get right on that.
This whole blog today was fluff.
Fail.

Arms Open Wide...

Change Is Gonna Come

AH. How great it is to be back! Although it's been months, it feels like years and SO much has happened.
But to spare you all, I'm going to make it relatively short because:
1. I just have a little bit to say.
2. You guys don't want to have to read a blog for 45 minutes.
3. I should probably start getting ready for church.

I've started my Senior year and I have never been more ready to be done. I know people are all "Enjoy your Senior year! Live it up!" But....
I'm struggling to abide by those rules.
Jesus also pulled a fast one on me not 3 days into my Senior year by telling me that my beloved youth pastor would be leaving the church. Why he decided to do that, I think I know but I don't think I'll ever FULLY know.
When I first heard the news, you can bet your mother's horses that I was in an absolute state. For days actually. But Jesus worked on my heart over those days and got me to a place, through people such as Alton, Amy, and my mother, that I was able to let go of my sadness and accept the joy in the situation. Alton will be moving to a baby church where he will get to help create a youth ministry because they don't have one. If they need a key part of church that Alton can help with, why should we be selfish and keep him for ourselves?
I've realized that I will still see him and his family at school functions and when I come over to their house.
He's never out of my life and neither is the Living God, who, through this, brought me back and closer to His heart than ever before.
Arms Open Wide...

Song of the Day: Hey Mama - Mat Kearney
Such a fun and upbeat song. I typically listen to it on my way to work when I don't wanna go and it get s me pumped up for my shift at least a little bit.
As much as you can get pumped up for scooping ice cream for the public. Please.

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