Sound Check - October 28, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. This is where I post worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the video to buy the song on iTunes.

I'm going to have to make a list of songs I want to introduce you to - there is a ton of new stuff that I'm really liking...Bebo Norman, Brandon Heath, Gateway Worship, Gabriel Wilson, Veggie Tales (no I'm not kidding - I LOVE me some Veggie Tales - DON'T JUDGE!) AND Third Day's new album is scheduled for a Nov. 6 release.

However, since I mentioned FFH last week, I'll begin there. I love this entire album. I developed a deep love for FFH in college. The simplicity and clarity in their vocals makes the lyrics a central focal point and they have such beautiful harmony. The link I'm posting at the end is for the entire album. I can't pick just one song to recommend. Most of the songs are songs you already know from church, but FFH style.

Song: First Love

Album: The Way We Worship

by FFH
NOTE: This video is the only one I could find.

My, How Things Have Changed

Last night at worship team rehearsal, I found a piano version of our hymnal and began looking through it. I ran across this:

This lovely document provided us plenty of entertainment for the majority of rehearsal.

I am assuming Sacred Melody was a collection of songs - written by the Wesley brothers, of course. I find it amusing that those songs - THEIR SONGS - should be learned before any others and that they should be sung exactly as they are printed. If you've learned them differently, for heaven's sake, UNLEARN them! 

WHAT?

For those of you who don't like the sing (Guy Rowland), check out #3. Mr. Wesley says that should sing even if it's a cross to you. Bahahahaha!

I think #4 is hilarious. Hubby thinks #4 and #5 sort of contradict each other. I think #5 just says don't be a diva or a fool while you're singing our songs! 

I'm pretty sure #6 is why good drummers are a necessity today. If John Wesley would have had a good drummer, he wouldn't have had to worry about people maintaining a steady tempo, right?

#7 - Oh my! I don't even know what to say to that.

I'm so glad I have never had to worship according to these directions. Change is good, people. Change is good.

How Is That Even Possible?

Random Things I Am Thinking Right Now:

Why is this download taking so long?

Why is this election not over? Any why is Colin Powell not running for President. I would gladly vote for him!

I am seriously one blessed woman - my husband not only had dinner made when I got home from teaching, he was working on laundry (which I was planning to do tomorrow)!

FFH has a new album?!?!?! WHAT? I LOVE FFH! Watch for some music on an upcoming Sound Check.

Oops! I forgot to do Sound Check this week.

I have to stop watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives before bed. I'm starving!

How is it even possible that all of these things went through my mind in such a short span of time? It's like ADD central in my head.

Dear Parents

Dear Parents of talented and not-so-talented kids:

So, you think your kid could be a star? Maybe. There are a few things you should consider:

Your child is NOT the greatest.

Everything your child does is NOT fantastic.

There will ALWAYS be someone better...a better singer, a better actor, a better dancer.

Please encourage your kids to do their best, but stop encouraging them to be snots. What's that? You're not encouraging them to be snots? Umm...yes. Yes, you are. Every single time you voice your over-rated opinion about how terrible someone else is and how great they are and how they weren't given a fair shake, you're encouraging them to be snots. Stop it. Just stop it!

Here's a little secret about conducting auditions: IT SUCKS! After years of conducting auditions for community theater, I've learned that you rarely make anyone happy. My job in that instance is not to make you happy. My job is to cast a show for the script and score that has been given to me. There are always people who aren't happy with the outcome - not because they were involved in the process, not because they've spoken with someone who could tell them WHY certain decisions were made, but because they didn't get their way. I'm looking for talented kids, who are easy going and are willing to make the most of whatever is thrown at them...kids that really just want to have fun and hopefully learn something in the process. Some kids are SUPER talented, but have arrogance issues. Some are semi-talented, but are good kids (I will take these kids any day of the week!). Some aren't very talented, but they have parents who have told them that they are, so they're super heart-broken (and snotty) when they don't get a lead...and while we're on the subject:

EVERYONE CAN'T PORTRAY THE PRINCIPAL CHARACTER! Duh! Every story is full of characters. Principal characters, Secondary characters, bit parts. Sometimes there are people in a play or musical who never say a word! WHAT? Doesn't that mean they shouldn't be there? No. What kind of story would there be if it was only a story about the principal characters? For those of you who encourage your kids to quit because they didn't get the 'part they wanted' - SHAME ON YOU! Teach them to make the most of every situation (and role!).

When getting a role makes a difference in whether or not the rent gets paid or if someone lives or dies, then you can get upset. Until then - CALM DOWN! People are starting to think you're a little crazy!

1 Year and Counting

Today is our anniversary. We have officially survived one year of marriage. It hasn't really felt like survival, though. I've heard a lot of people talk about how difficult the first year of marriage is. Ours was not and I'm grateful. There are several things that probably contributed to this. We dated for a very long time (over 8 years) which means we both knew what we were getting ourselves into - there were no delusions. We already knew what drove us crazy about the other one and decided we could cope (you're delusional if you think you're going to change that stuff!). We learned during our dating life that we had to communicate with each other (and use a GPS - another story for another day). People communicate in different ways - which can often be attributed to how they grew up, but we figured it out BEFORE we got married. It also helps if you really like the person - you'll spend a lot of time together. The most important element, though...God. He has to be front and center. Period.

Ronnie, you are my best friend and a wonderful husband. You love me with a depth that could only come from your love for God and your desire to serve Him even through our marriage. You cherish me. You lead with integrity and you provide with love. I am seriously blessed to call you my husband. Happy Anniversary - I love you!

Classic Italian Turkey Meatballs

I couldn't figure out a good way to pin this from the Today Show site. I'm posting the recipe here so that I can find it.



Classic Italian Turkey Meatballs

Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:

For meatballs

• 1 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 small onion, finely chopped*
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound ground dark turkey meat
• 1 pound spicy Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

For sauce

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 large garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons finely ground fennel seeds
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
• 3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 low-sodium chicken broth

For serving

• Grated parmesan cheese

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

For the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, milk, eggs, onion, Parmesan cheese, ketchup, basil, parsley, tomato paste, garlic, salt, and pepper. Using a wooden spoon, stir to blend. Add the ground turkey and sausage meat. Using fingers gently mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined.

Using a 1-ounce cookie scoop or a small ice cream scoop, form the meat mixture into 11/2-inch balls (about 22 to 24 meatballs). Place the meatballs on a heavy non-stick baking sheet, spacing apart. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15 minutes until cooked through.

For the tomato sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet with 2-inch-high sides over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, fennel, and 1/2 cup basil. Bring to simmer. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup basil. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if desired.

Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer until the meatballs are heated through, about 10 minutes. Thin the sauce with chicken stock, 1/4 cup at a time, if needed.

Serve with grated Parmesan cheese alongside.

Tips:
*Cook's note: You can either finely chop the onion by hand or in a food processor. Coarsely chop the onion and add them to the processor bowl. Pulse until finely chopped.
Serving Size

Makes 4 to 6 servings

A New Normal

Yesterday marked one year from the date that we moved everything into our apartment in Ohio. During the past year a lot has happened. I feel very blessed, but I've spent much of this year very frustrated, confused, and at times angry. Marriage is GREAT, but I have not worked full-time since June of 2011 and I H.A.T.E. it! (side note: for the stupid politicians out there who don't get it, let me give a real life example of why the government you've helped to create SUCKS! I have student loan debt because a degree supposedly = a job. SMH! So, now I have no job and a student loan because school costs too flippin' much to pay for out of pocket. I worked in a low-income school district for 6 years and you, Mr. Politician, work for a government that refused to forgive even a portion of my loans! You suck! Rant not over, but I'll save the rest for another day!)

This new chapter of our lives has been very good for Ronnie's career. He LOVES his job and God is providing, but I can't help but feel as though I should be doing more. I desire to do more with my life. I feel like I was made for more than just sitting at home. When we first moved, I felt a little jipped. I mean, I had established myself in Southern Illinois as a vocal instructor and coach. I had my own studio and students that I absolutely loved working with. (High School and College - those are the students I really like to work with!)

Here in Ohio, I still teach, but it's mostly kids - a lot of beginners. It is not my favorite time of the week and I really don't enjoy it like I used to. Right now, I'm just doing it for the money - and that stinks! I find plenty to keep me busy, but it just isn't the same as having a job AND finding plenty to do doesn't pay my student loans off or make a car payment.

I'm not certain if it is like this in other countries, but our identity in this country is wrapped up in what we do - not who we are. "Hi, I'm Sheena and I'm a _________. What do you do?" Even a year in, I still can't seem to identify myself beyond the things I 'do' and it's frustrating! I'm currently trying to accept this as my new normal and find what God has for me in all of this. I'm trying to seek His face and His will for me and I am praying for the courage and grace to accept whatever that is. I want to be able to walk through this next year content in knowing God has not forgotten me and that He has a plan for my life.

Christmas Ideas

Here are a few of the items I'm selling right now.
(The prices listed do NOT include shipping.)

If you're interested, shoot me an email at godzchild4ever@yahoo.com.

'Our Stache' Jar
$7

(I can also make them to say 'My Stache', if you prefer.)

Be sure to indicate mustache 1 or 2, as well.

Wristlet Keyfob

$4

(Please indicate Set # and Keyfob # in that set.)

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

Set 7

Checkbook Cover

$8

(please indicate #)

Make-up Brush Roll-up Bag
$10

Peacock Necklace

$20

 Wall Hanging

$8

 

Wine Bottle Torch w/ Copper Cap

$12

Sound Check - October 7, 2012

Welcome to Sound Check. This is where I post worship tunes for you to check out. I give you the YouTube video to listen to. If you like the song, click the album cover that follows the video to buy the song on iTunes.

The Big Daddy Weave album is NOT new. It was released in April, but I really just love this song

Song: Redeemed

Album: Love Come to Life

by Big Daddy Weave

There was a music video contest for Rest Easy. This is the winning video. Warning: You may cry.

Song: Rest Easy
Album: Light for the Lost Boy 
by Andrew Peterson

Hiatus

So, I've taken a bit of a hiatus from blogging. A lot has been going on. Let's see if I can catch you up with the big stuff:

-My Uncle Roger passed away. I traveled to Tennessee and it was honestly the most celebratory funeral I've ever experienced. It was a life well lived and deserved that type of remembrance. He fought cancer for 5 years. He fought with all of his might - until the very end. And he left quite the legacy.

-My sis-in-law (also my best friend) is pregnant!!!!! Holy moley, I'm so excited! If you have been struggling to conceive and need a miracle story to grab onto while you wait for your miracle, read these (in order):
1. Our Most Sincere Thanks
2. The Shock That Was My Diagnosis
3. 14 Weeks - Little Navajo
4. My Personal FAQ

-Gym update: I am going 3 times a week and I haven't lost one, single ounce. Story.Of. My. Life. AND I have strained a hip flexor. That's all on that - I might cry if I have to think about it much more tonight.

-Still no full-time job, but God seems to be giving me plenty of places to serve 'in the meantime'

I will try to get back on the blogging wagon. Sound check will be back up this coming Sunday too for those who have been asking. And I will be posting some stuff I'm getting ready to throw up on Etsy, as well as PartyLite stuff I have for sale since people are still emailing me about items from the blog - LAST YEAR. Stay tuned this coming week. You may find some Christmas presents or stocking stuffers.