Shawn's Results

When Shawn went back to the (eye) doctor on Monday, they put a contact in his right eye because its still been bothering him. But as of today, its a lot better. I don't know what the contact is supposed to do, but he goes back next week to get it taken out. Hopefully his eyes will be healed back to normal by next week. When he was at the doctor on Monday, he just happened to mention the fact that he was gonna go get glasses, just cause he figured he needed them, and you better believe we're taking every advantage of this health insurance : )

But to his surprise, the doctor said he didn't need glasses, that he had 20/20 vision. Wow! So that's a blessing. The other blessing is that his thyroid is fine. So that's really a blessing. He goes back for some other tests in a couple weeks. We'll see how they go. They're just minor tests, just to make sure everything's in good working order. Our next venture will be the dentist : )

What is it with doctors?

What is it with doctors these days? Shawn took his test last Tuesday and it was only supposed to take 2-3 days for his results. He called Monday; they said they'd call him back. It's now Wednesday, and his results are sitting in some folder in his file I'm sure. Not that we thought this test was of any importance or anything....hmmmm.... Venting a little frustration am I.

Or is it the nurses that are taking their time? Nikki?? Anyway, he's gonna call back yet again today. Maybe someone can take 2 seconds out of their time to walk over to the filing cabinet to give us some results : )

Well on a lighter note. We're going to Savannah again this weekend and taking half of the band cause there was a limit on how many could go. Sorry to the others, definitely next time. But Shawn has put together tracks to add depth behind us, and OMG, they sound fabulous! If you don't know what I'm talking about, and you attend a rather large church, your music team probably uses them. Anyway, me and him put background vocals on there, and it sounds really good. I'm gonna see if they can make us a DVD or CD this time. Last time's recording mix didn't come out too well, so we didn't keep it. But hopefully this time it will, and we'll post something on here.

Clothing Swap

Has anyone ever heard of a clothing swap before? Except you, Tab. Really great idea, never really thought about it until I attended one in NC, in which I might add, they haven't done one since, crazy folk. I think its lack of someone to head it up, cause its really big and takes a lot of help. What you do is, bring in items, anything really, that you don't use or wear anymore including all clothing, purses, jewelry, shoes, scarfs, etc. You bring them in like you would if you were taking them to the Goodwill. And as long as you contribute, you can take anything you want for FREE. This church set it up like a store. They do it real big, where the community gets involved, etc. And actually, I think you don't have to contribute, cause its more of a community outreach thing. But anyhow, the one I went to was huge, almost as big as a basketball court, just full of items, and good items might I add. This is Lake Norman we're talking about.

So I brought it up at work with just the 6 girls I work with and they love the idea. So between the 6 of us, I think we're going to do a swap. Just take snapshots of items we don't use or wear anymore and bring the pics in and do it that way.

So if you have tons of clothes or items that are just sitting around collecting dust, that you don't wear or use anymore, you should consider doing a swap whether its on a big scale with a church or organization, or with your coworkers or friends. Pretty neat idea, and you can benefit a lot of new clothing/items for FREE, without even having to step foot through a department store door!

Vineyard Music

So ya know we've been chilling out for a while, haven't really done much or even wrote any new songs until recently in the start of 2009. It's visually been almost like we were standing at this door waiting for something on the other side, door locked and all, but we knew we needed to step through that doorway. Well, 2009 hit and the door has opened. It almost reminds me of Star Wars or maybe its Superman when the credits came on at the beginning/end and all these stars or comets or whatever are flying at you. Well, that's what we've seen since the door opened in 2009. But the things flying at us are not bad things, they're really good things.

For instance, Shawn has a family member who has a lot of connections with very important people. And when I say that, who defines who's really important? Just a thought there for ya... But she was talking with Shawn yesterday, and they've been discussing some really big opportunities, as well as getting us hooked up with places all over the US to travel with our team. But last night, she asked Shawn about our songs. And Shawn discovered she's really good friends with the pastor at the main Vineyard Church. I know Vineyard hasn't put out much since the 90's, but its cause they haven't been as cutting edge as other groups coming out, whether that's lack of writer's, I don't know.

However, she called the pastor right there while Shawn was standing there and told him about our songs and our ministry and stuff, and he was really excited. He wants us to send some of our songs to Vineyard. So we're gonna record some of our most recent stuff and send it on out. But I thought, how unique? We just never know what God's up to.

The Gym

So I went with my mom and stepdad to the gym today. They have a membership at this really awesome gym down in Acworth. It's really big and has raquetball/basketball/volleyball courts, olympic size swimming pool, huge jacuzzi, etc. Me and Ronnie played 3 rounds of raquetball. Let me remind you, I haven't played since college, not to mention the fact that I am extremely out of shape. First score was 6 to 15...of course me on the losing end. Second score was I think 2 to 15...I was really out of it, still trying to catch my breath. Wasn't sure if my heart was even still beating : ) But third game was 10 to 15. So I decided to stop while I was ahead...okay, not ahead, but at least I got to 10. I about knocked the wall down 3 times. We were working it...running all over the court. I won't be surprised if I have to get Shawn to carry me from the bed to the shower in the morning.

Besides all the working out we did, I've been reminded how much I love the gym. And I have got to find one, maybe in Greenville, that has all the courts and pools and stuff. Cause its so much fun!!! Plus, I really need the exercise. Especially if Shawn gets put on the medicine from the doctor (still haven't heard anything), then he'll be dropping weight like its nothing, and I'll be left behind to work my ace off : (

Shawn's eyes

So Shawn just got out of the eye doctor. He says that we need to move our bed out from under the air vent. We've recently moved our bed in front of the window which contains an overhead air vent. The doctor says Shawn's eyes are slightly opening while he's asleep, which he says is normal, but then they dry out and when he moves them, its tears at his cornea, OUCH!, so he gave him some eye drops and some kind of ointment or something. Whooo.....at least its just a case of moving the bed and occasional eye drops....nothing serious. No surgeries : )

One down, one doctor to go...

Doctor Visit

Shawn's down in Atlanta today at the doctor. He actually has two appointments today. He went this morning to have some tests done on his thyroid. Then he's got an appointment in a bit for his eyes. I'm glad he's getting all fixed up. He's needed this for a while. Health insurance: what a beautiful thing. Poor things been miserable with his eyes here lately, so I hope they come up with a solution that doesn't require any surgeries. He's going on Thursday for the actual eye exam and to get prescription eye glasses, but some idiots in college happened to strike him a couple times in the eye, one with a pencil and the other with a staple. Both in different eyes. They've never really bothered him very bad, but recently in the last two weeks, he's been up almost every night with his eyes severely hurting, so they worked him in today while he's in Atlanta. So I hope its nothing very serious...maybe something they can easily fix.

Boredom

So we almost got snow last night. I was kinda hoping we would, but it missed us. Greenville got some snow, but it was mainly north toward Spartanburg and slightly east of Greenville. Oh well...better luck next time. So I'm just sitting here at work...bored...

I wanted to watch the Inauguration online, but my computer doesn't support videos and to install it requires a password that I don't know, and don't want to ask for, cause why should I need to watch any vidoes at work...hmmm...which raises the question. Why do they do the Inauguration on a weekday, during the daytime...when people are working. I mean, its not like anybody wants to actually watch it or anything. Deet-deet-de!!

First Practice

So we had our first practice with the new team on Saturday, minus our soprano who was out of town. Shawn converted our basement into a band/music room. Hung pictures on the wall and everything. It looks like just another part of the house now. Pretty cool... We also found someone to help us finish the basement...one of these days : P

We used an in-ear system instead of external speakers, and we were jammin' out. I can't wait till we play live. I put both of my ears in and it sounded like we were in a concert hall. I loved it! Cause Shawn makes these tracks to go behind the band just to give as filler, which a lot of bands do these days, so it totally rocked! We have a new band member, our bass player, my brother, Jordan. He did really good at practice. He's never played with us, but plays with his church. We'd been talking forever about letting him play on our next CD or playing with us sometime, but really sat down and thought about it, and it seemed like the perfect idea. Plus, he'll gain a lot of experience, so it looks like its going to work out. We're pretty siked, plus he's totally fun to hang out with : )

But it seems like God just keeps dropping equipment in our lap. We have several different friends here and there that have this and that, that they are giving to us, letting us borrow, or selling crazy cheap. So all the equipment is coming together very well. Now we just need a covered trailor...lol...

It's a true story!!!

No, it's not a true story...thought it was by what you read in the foreward and afterwords. Oh well, truly incredible story anyway.

You can look more into it at www.theshackbook.com.

Trip to Peru

So we've been invited to go to Peru in May, to be the house band for this lady who's ministry we've been connected to for almost 2 years now. She wants us to take a whole team to Peru to minister at this conference she's putting together down there. She said usually when she does this, thousands are present, just hungry for Jesus. So of course we're pretty excited. However, she's supposed to get back with us on how the trips could be provided. But she also said that you have to fly down there of course, but then the only way to the island is by boat. Kinda reminded me of LOST. Just a little scary...

But it would be pretty cool, especially if the water were clear like the Bahamas is supposedly. Always wanted to go to the Bahamas. And am actually thinking about a cruise this year to the Bahamas if this Peru thing doesn't work out. I wanna swim with the dolphins : )

New Songs

I have to say, my hubby is quite the talented one. He can do just about anything musically, and I don't understand how. Quite frankly, it makes me sick. We're working on a self-titled album (whatever that means, that's just what he calls it). And of course he's getting it all done in the comfort of our own bedroom, except for adding some instruments by others on our team of course, but for the majority, its all being done on our personal recording equipment.

Don't get me wrong, I love our Freedom album that we put out in August, we worked our butts off on it as much as some don't think, but I guess we progress naturally by each album. We had a lot of boundaries with that album that we don't with this new one. For some of you, Shawn's given you a sneak peak of the new website to come in February which contains a snippet of one of the new songs. It's definitely a newer sound, one that I'm not quite familiar with yet, but I'm getting there. I'm a straight Hillsong girl, always have been, but you wouldn't know it by the sounds we have put out. In that case, I keep bugging Shawn to make my songs sound "Hillsong-ish." It's not working though...lol...

Anyhow, I don't know what I'm getting to here, I just wanted to write. I'm excited about our new songs. It's just hard getting the right sound out...the sound that you want. You hear it in your head, but for someone like me that can't produce what I hear, its quite frustrating. But I'm still excited to hear the outcome of what we produce. We periodically be posting the new songs we complete on our myspace so they can be downloaded and listened to. Keep a look out!

Something to think about…

So I was reading “The Shack” during lunch yesterday and ran across a really interesting chapter, as if the book in itself isn’t interesting enough. Mack is out with Jesus and they’re talking about “church.” Okay, things I’m about to say are just things to ponder. The book isn’t saying that this is how things really are; it’s a fictional book. BUT, I do find it quite interesting, and so may you.

Here’s an excerpt: “As well-intentioned as it might be, you know that religious machinery can chew up people!” Jesus said with a bite of his own. “An awful lot of what is done in my name has nothing to do with me and is often, even if unintentional, very contrary to my purposes.”

“You’re not too fond of religion and institutions? Mack said, not sure if he was asking a question or making an observation.

“I don’t create institution – never have, never will.”

“What about the institution of marriage?”

“Marriage is not an institution. It’s a relationship.” Jesus paused, his voice steady and patient. “Like I said, I don’t create institutions; that’s an occupation for those who want to play God. So no, I’m not too big on religion,” Jesus said a little sarcastically, “and not very fond of politics or economics either.” Jesus’ visage darkened noticeably. “and why should I be? They are the man-created trinity of terrors that ravages the earth and deceives those I care about. What mental turmoil and anxiety does any human face that is not related to one of those three?”

Mack hesitated. He wasn’t sure what to say. This all felt a little over his head. Noticing that Mack’s eyes were glazing over, Jesus downshifted. “Put simply, these terrors are tools that many use to prop up their illusions of security and control. People are afraid of uncertainty, afraid of the future. These institutions, these structures and ideologies, are all a vain effort to create some sense of certainty and security where there isn’t any. It’s all false! Systems cannot provide you security, only I can.”

Wow! Ya know? I never really thought about these things like this. But when he talks about religion being a part of a man-created trinity of terrors that deceives those he cares about? That’s really quite accurate. If you really think about what anxiety we face in life, it all either falls back on either the economic status of this world, the government or the church. Very sad, but very true.

He goes on to talk about how he’s in love with his bride. Mack thinks he’s talking about the church as in the people inside each church. Jesus emphasizes once more that he’s not fond of the church and its institution...us getting together to play “church.” He sees his bride as nothing to do with the church, only those whose hearts are in relationship to him.

It made me think, when the Bible talks about not forsaking the assembly, if that really means what it does when you first read it on the surface, than basically we need that for accountability; however, that doesn’t mean we have to unite under an institution or an establishment; which further supports my belief of home/community groups. Don’t get me wrong, church is fun, but you got to admit, its not perfect as is anything of course, but its full of raw expectations and American/Christian Idols. Perfect example – a pastor commits adultery, the majority of the church are in shock as if he was supposed to be perfect. And a good percentage of that church will split and will abandon church and God as if the two went together in the incident.

God = personal relationship, period, nothing else.
And we make it so hard...and add extra drama.

Assembling together with other believers does not equal a “church,” its gathering with others who are in relationship with Jesus and want to share life together. Basically put.

Church in SC

So I really had fun this morning although we only went to this church to hear the worship, then left to enjoy some Golden Corral. Its a church in South Carolina that I've never heard of before and is in the middle of nowhere but its like huge and their worship is off the chain. We waited in line for parking for only God knows how long. People were coming out of the woodworks into this place. They have screens outside the auditorium where you can watch from the lobby couches and drink from their coffee shop; and when we walked in, I thought they were playing a music video, but they weren't. Worship had already started and it was live on the tv's.

I know people seem to think that we shouldn't draw people by entertaining them, but it sure draws a crowd so you can at that point minister to them and feed them some Jesus. Although we barely made it in the auditorium to find the last seats available while they began pulling out chairs to fill the lobby because of the large crowd, it was pretty cool. I told Shawn to add some lead to his foot while we were driving there, but his mouth was too busy running to the rest of the car that he couldn't focus on them both, so we of course were late.

It felt really different going into this church than others we've been in lately, even more similar ones. I actually for the first time felt the desire to "want" to get involved. Yeah alot of things here lately that come into my mind sneak up on me...as if I'm not expecting those thoughts or feelings to arise. It came as a surprise to myself that I kinda actually wanted to get involved. For those of you who haven't been involved with my life in the last couple months, I've come to the realization that I don't really want to be involved leadership-wise with a church. Too much for me. Before, I never understand why people don't like church or church people. I have now come to that understanding. I'm glad I can relate so well now...lol... But its no reason to give up on church or the many downfalls of church people. None of us are perfect. It's just picking yourself up and making it up in your mind that you won't be like those who've been "not Jesus" to you. Quite simple : P

Slumber Party

So we had a slumber party last night...okay, so it was just me and Shawn, but it was so totally fun. We both have colds which I think came from Caitlyn, which came from the Daugherty girls (thanks girls!). We were incredibly miserable while unable to breathe. And you know when you can't breathe through your nose, of course you can't lay down cause it gets even more stuffy. So we decided to sleep on the couches in the livingroom so we could somewhat sit up, cause our bed has no headboard and is up against the window so I'd hate to fall out the window in the middle of the night. That'd be totally messy going down our driveway. I'd hate to repeat the pattern of my van (for those of you who know the "van" story). And no, I'm not for hire!

So we pulled both couches together with the open ends together so it made one big area to ly in. Pulled out the big comforters, cuddled up together, and just sat there cutting up making hand puppets on the wall from the light of the night light, made "yo mama" jokes, made fun of each other as always, and just had so much fun laughing that we could barely breathe, while trying to stay quiet cause Caitlyn's door was cracked...trying not to wake her. We were successful : )

I tell ya. I feel like in the last couple months I've gotten my old husband back. He's funny, he's happy, he flirts with me all the time, he enjoys spending time with me and Caitlyn, he actually has TIME to spend with us. Sometimes I think God makes non-understandable shifts in our lives sometimes just for the meer fact of bringing us back down to our primary purpose...and I really think that's family. We had just gotten so focused on ministry that we were neglecting the most important part of our life - each other. Maybe we have to learn that balance, but I think at this time I'm really learning the importance of loving my family and cherishing every moment...and I'm loving it! Even to the point where I've actually come to the realization that I'm okay with having another baby (NO, I'm not pregnant, nor will I be anytime soon). But for those of you who really know me, know that months ago, I had decided Caitlyn was going to be an only child, period. But Shawn and I discussed it one day a while back just in an everyday conversation and was like, 'Ya know? It wouldn't be so bad to have another one.' I shocked myself on that one! Anyway, I'm getting off my blog subject...lol...bye!

The Shack

Has anyone read "The Shack?" I've just started; Shawn's already read it. You know ya'll can comment on these blogs...at the bottom of each blog where it says Comments. We'd like to hear from some folks. Anyway, I've been reading during my lunch breaks, and its very interesting. I've heard both sides, some people saying the book's very revolutionary to the religious world while others say its totally off the cliff. But ya know? I've really been thinking about it. They really bring up some interesting thoughts once you really get into the story where Mack is back at the shack, but of course if you don't have an open mind, you won't get that far. Which is okay, but for the daring side of us...

I tried to tell myself that its too revolutionary, but they really have some good points. We humans really make too much out of nothing. We have our own theories about what is truly "good" and "bad" in this world, and we govern our lives by those theories. And because everyone's theories on good and bad are different, we all collide making wars, etc. So really, things that happen in our lives that we label "good" or "bad" may not really be good or bad : )

You should really pick up the book if you haven't yet. I'm not a reader. I hate books. But I can occasionally get into a good one, especially if it can keep me hooked. Leave us some feedback...I'd love to hear something if you've read "The Shack."

Where we're not going to church...

It seems like the more and more people I talk to, have been told or simply just assume that Shawn and I are attending Redemption in Greenville or that we're involved with their music department. But I just wanted to clarify to anyone and everyone that we haven't even stepped foot in Redemption. We're not involved with the church there, nor do we attend there.

We are enjoying traveling for the most part, so we are not a part of a home church at the current moment; however, there are several options, visiting, etc. just to have a covering. But Redemption is not one of them. So, I just wanted to clarify that for those who have been fed wrong info or for those who like to use their mouths to spread incorrect assumable information : )

Thus, reminding me of my new favorite quote (that I made up):

"There's two sides to every story. A wise man seeks both sides to make a quality trustworthy belief; a foolish man puts full trust in one side while neglecting to hear the full story." -Lauren Cox

It's completely messed my life up in several areas, so I've learned to live by this quote, and its proven to be very eye-opening. Just because someone seems to be very close to you doesn't mean they're truly trustworthy.

Savannah

We went to Savannah this past weekend and was able to see some old friends of ours from school. They now have 2 kids and we took Caitlyn, so mine and Shelly's time pretty much consisted of watching the kids, while Josh and Shawn ran off and played like big boys...naw, I'm just kidding, but we had a lot of fun. We didn't get to see the beach, but it sure did feel awesome outside! We went through Columbia, SC to get down there and before we reached Columbia, it was like 53 degrees. Once through Columbia, it jumped to 70 degrees. I couldn't believe it. But believe me, the degree increase didn't come without the mosquitoes. They were everywhere when we got out of the car.

We went down to do the service at the church Josh and Shelly are attending. Great church, great vision! I think they're about to build as soon as they fill the place they're in, which they're almost full. But their building layout that they're wanting to build is so freakin cool. It's like a red chinese lookin dome thing...weird lookin, but really cool! We had fun ministering with them. The pastor and his wife are an absolute hoot. Funny to no end. But they have a great ministry.

We went to a restaurant which I've seen before, I just don't know where, called Sticky Fingers. By far, the BEST restaurant!! They gave us a sample of ribs. OMG, I about passed out they were so good. But idiot me didn't order them. Both me and Shawn got the BBQ sandwich plate. Again, OMG, freakin awesome!! He got fries with his and I got a loaded baked potato. The fries were better than Zaxby's fries. They're more stringy like Burger King, but the seasoning they put on it is magical, I swear. If you haven't been, ya gotta go. Trust me. We were shocked just sitting there. Everything we all put in our mouth was amazing. I guess its become my new BFF...R (aka best freakin food....restaurant).

New Years

It was nice this year to actually have fun on New Years Eve...not that church is not fun (well some are, and some aren't). But we did end up going out with some friends of ours that we haven't really seen and spent time with since August. Then we all took off to a party at another friends house and actually got to watch the ball drop on TV (would've been better in person, but maybe next year). And Shawn and I got to kiss at midnight...hehe...for the FIRST time in our married life. Not a big deal to normal folks, but it was for us since our "New Years" life has always consisted of me sitting across the room from him at midnight...him usually on stage. I'm liking this whole coming back to simplicity thing that me and Shawn are doing. I think it really makes more sense. We're actually spending more time with God and our families instead of work, ministry, work, ministry. Family IS our first ministry...we often get that mixed up. And come to find out, we're naturally happier. I'm learnin, I'm learnin...lol

But we played games, one I can't remember and the other was "Imagine if..." That was really funny; never heard of the game, but there was a good size group of us, so that made it even more fun.

But Hallelujah its 2009!! We're looking forward to a great and refreshing New Year!!!