community college

sunday is for singing

no power of hell

no scheme of man

can ever pluck me from his hand

till he returns or calls me home

here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Some bedrock parts of my faith are hymns I can only recall in my grandmother's voice.

bethany vs. fat stack of medical terms

Place your bets.

Hey Sis;

Don't forget. We're going.  If you can get time off of reporting on crazy stuff.
I'm thinking August? Otherwise it might not be hot enough/smell bad enough for an authentic experience.

I can already taste the pains au chocolat and hear the awful French version of my name being spoken. So excited.

How great is my day?

This is what happens when I take a vacation day: homemade macaroons for breakfast.

Review of Aaron Hale's new EP "Ghostly"

Here's something new: my friend Aaron Hale is about to release a new EP and I think you should know about it.

After spending the summer leading worship at various events throughout the southeast, Aaron Hale is ready to settle into fall with the release of a new EP. Although the title may sound appropriate for late October, the theme gives a fresh perspective on what it means to be Ghostly.

The first track majors on ethereal purity and the weightlessness available through forgiveness. "Ghostly" lands in the ear as a pleasant and original tune. The end of this song has a slow swell into repetition of the line "there is hope for me". This message is an inspiring, fuss-less theme that encourages the listener beyond the circumstance of heavy brokenness. "Ghostly" has a deeper personal meaning with every listen.

The second track, "Got a Lot to Give" may have been written as a personal anthem for Aaron and his wife Heather (who are in the process of adopting a little boy named Arthur from Ethiopia), but the message is applicable to anyone who wishes to emulate the teachings of Jesus into their lives in order to love those around them in a truer, more self-less way. Aaron captures the struggle to do this. This song communicates the feeling of having much to offer while simultaneously facing the complicated red tape of not knowing "the right way" and not "having the words" to bring about the desired change in one's self and surroundings.

"Wake Within Me" was co-written with Robbie Seay. This talent combination results in lyrics made of alluring poetry about finally reaching light, warmth, and a familiar love after traveling through darkness and despondency. Aaron's voice is the strongest instrument here, set against gentle guitar and keys. This song is simultaneously delicate, beautiful and strong. Aaron's limited patience for over-production serves this song incredibly well. It stands on its own as a lovely conclusion to the EP.

Please visit Aaron's website for more information on his ever-promising music career, adoption story, and of course to purchase your copy of the new "Ghostly" EP as soon as it it released on October 12th!

the best

One year ago today my friend Nanette, the closest mother lady I have out here, was diagnosed with breast cancer. We spent the fall squeezing hands and deciding to smile, then we all got together to pray for her to be healed. I will never forget hearing her husband, Woot (who had lost his sister only weeks before) tell the Lord out loud in front of everyone that he loved her and begged Him not to take her away just yet.
Nanette had me over for tea some time around then and we sat on her back patio and asked each other what we thought about how God does and doesn't heal people when we ask him to, and how He is still good regardless.
Then came surgery, then all the radiation, and then the Winter.
Woot let her sleep in late every morning and brought her breakfast in bed while her stitches healed and the snow fell.
In February Nanette had a birthday and we celebrated with her as she found out there was no cancer left in her body. We sang lots of songs about strong love that day.
And tonight, one year after it all began, Nanette and I ate salads on the Plaza like ladies do and talked about everything in the world but cancer.
How about that?