Kick the Footlights Out

Annie read the book, then Emily read the book, so then it was Chasley’s turn to read the book. I would occasionally skip around to the chapters that I thought I would like the best, and Emily would tell on me. Annie did not like this. It’s quite common though because I think, I’ll probably never make it to those pages anyway. But this time, it was different. I read every single page, even the credits. The topic was “exploring the endless connections between sexuality and spirituality”, and the book was Sex God by Rob Bell. I was familiar with his work because I had completed a video study of his through my youth group in high school. Chapter 8 is titled Johnny and June. Walk the Line is one of my favorite movies; so naturally, this was my go to chapter.

“Whatever it is they had, it spread. It spilled over. It couldn’t be contained by just the two of them. It affected those around them. It inspired those around them.”

“Their marriage got better and better. They were more in love as the years went by.”

“A marriage is designed not to add to the brokenness of the world but to add to the “oneness” of the world. This man and this woman who have given themselves to each other are supposed to give the world a glimpse of hope, a display of what God is like, a bit of echad on earth.”

The book was such a blessing, and it taught me so much about my relationship with God and the design of a relationship between a man and a woman. Savannah and Chandler, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I consider the book a must read.

DJ Chaz

Hooray for Hollywood by Jared Lee: After months of waiting, it’s finally available on iTunes.

Nothing Ever Hurt Like You by James Morrison: He is one of my favorites; I think he’s a genius.

Girl Named Tennessee by Needtobreathe: The solo dancer in me wants to sit this one out and grab a boy.

Toy Soldier by Britney Spears: The Blackout album is Britney’s best work, “like them city boys from NEW YORK!”

January Wedding by The Avett Brothers: I love their style. I grew up listening to my dad play the banjo.

You and I by Ingrid Michaelson: “Lets get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance.”

Portions for Foxes by Rilo Kiley: “and you’re bad news; my friends tell me to leave you.”

Madly by Tristan Prettyman: Karaoke.

Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy: “good-bye my hopeless dream”

Inside Out by Kate Voegele: This is one of my best performances.

Pictures of You by The Last Goodnight: Picture me. Picture you. Picture this. Picture that. Picture perfect.

Anywhere But Here by Chris Cagle: The love and the passion are still right where she left it.

My Love is Your Love by Whitney Houston: Grand Central Station makes me think of Gossip Girl and traveling, two of my favorites.

Assassin by John Mayer: He finally met his match, and I want to know whom he wrote this about, but my guess is Jennifer Aniston.

Boy With a Coin by Iron and Wine: Annie Mo, thank Yo.

Makin’ Plans by Miranda Lambert: I love to make plans. Miranda and I are a lot alike.

I’d Rather Be with You by Joshua Radin: “I need to be bold. I need to jump in the cold water. I need to grow older with a girl like you.”

Replay by Iyaz: All the Above.

Always Yours...

A few of the girls this summer read the book, “Dear John” by Nicolas Sparks, and they told me that the main character, Savannah, reminded them of me. I will either find out what they were talking about when I finish the book or in February. But until then, “Two weeks together, that’s all it took. Two weeks for me to fall for you.” has provided inspiration.

It's Okay, You're Gonna Pump my Gas Someday

Amanda and I agree, gas stations are dirty, dangerous and full of lurking creepers. Allow me to elaborate. The gas station I normally choose was closed, so I was forced to travel down the street to the local Citco. I hate being thrown off track; it’s never a good thing. Gas stations always throw me for a loop with all those directions they give, “Swipe Quickly” “Select Grade” and “Lift and Begin Fueling”. It’s confusing, and the time between each command is crucial. Gas stations are so intimidating, and as I pulled in, I noticed that the gas pumps looked unfamiliar, so I knew my total attention would be required for the proper procedure. Of course, I thought I was following the instructions, but it was evident that an important action was missing. I just couldn’t figure out what it was, and I was swiping and swiping the credit card. I called my mother. This is quite common. She was sending someone downtown to help me. But before she could send them out the door, I saw a man and flagged him down. He walked over and immediately starting looking in my car, not trying to make any effort to be discreet. Maybe it was Kim Kardashian on the cover of my magazine that caught his eye, but whatever it was, he was interested. My thoughts were Bon Qui Qui’s words, “This dude needs to go”. I thanked him for his time and help even though he never made it to the gas pump. I went inside, and the cashier came out to help and solved all my problems.

Tell Me Your Story, Tori

Violet Bickerstaff and Donna Martin are two blondes that I faithfully watched every day after school. So, this summer I decided to get to know the person behind the characters. I chose to read sTori Telling, Tori Spelling’s autobiography that explains the unanswered questions about her life and the craziness behind the tabloids. The reason I don’t have a “My Book Shelf” on the side of my blog is because I have no books to suggest. The only books I have are the decorative dust collectors that provide a pedestal for my lamps. I read the Bible, and that is mostly it. But by finishing the book, I learned the struggles of growing up in Hollywood, details behind her Great Gatsby inspired wedding and the admiration she had for her father. Now, I have made progress, and I have renewed my library card. I have made a personal goal to always have a book I am reading, and Tori’s latest, Mommywood, is on the list. I want to be a mom, so teach me Tori.

Hip Hip Hooray!

I have been reading through Proverbs, and there are several verses that encourage a cheerful spirit and relate to the positive outcomes of a happy heart. I once read a magazine article on Jennifer Love Hewitt. She told a story of a friend asking her if she was in love. She said she thought it was kind of strange, because these were the first words that she was greeted with. Her friend explained that she could tell by the way she looked; she had a glow about her. She was so confused, but she knew that is was the truth; she was in love. What was going on inside was shining through to the outside. My mom has always taught me that it is what is on the inside that counts, and she has always encouraged me to focus on my faith. Whatever is on the inside will be visible to those around you.

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” -1 Peter 3:3-4

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

“All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” –Proverbs 15:15

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” –Proverbs 16:30

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” –Proverbs 17:22

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” -Ephesians 4:2

"I believe that the happiest girls are the prettiest girls." -Audrey Hepburn

Home is Where the Heart is

The memories, the laughs, the birthday parties and the family holidays that my house has hosted are treasured. I love this house. We moved here when I was five; I remember when there was just a foundation, and I looked to the sky imagining my room in the clouds. Recently, my house has been getting a few modifications. I’m either waking up to a man swinging from scaffling outside of my window or standing in my room discussing options with my mother. I walk outside, and there they are, climbing ladders and cutting boards. I give them my best “good morning” as I get in my car. One said the other day, “You spending the night with your grandmother again?” Well my, my, I didn’t know they were keeping such close tabs on me. I appreciate their hard work. We’ve got to get this house ready for my wedding reception. When dad revealed that there would be some remodeling to our house, I made a pause for the cause as I put my hands in the stop position. Reminding him that we really needed to keep my wedding reception in mind. I asked him if he had thought about the flow of traffic and the location of the six tiered wedding cake. I can hear the bells.