StoneRose Valley My Thoughts, Expressions, and Passions

Verse Of The Day
“In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“An average view of the Christian life is that it means deliverance from trouble. It is deliverance in trouble, which is very different. ‘He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High…there shall no evil befall thee.’” Oswald Chambers.

Oh, the truth to these words! I must confess that all to often, I lose sight of that simple truth. In the trials of this world, I often become overwhelmed, wondering how I could ever hope to stay afloat. I forget that I can’t, not on my own. But Christ has overcome the world. And in His secret place I am safe. But I have to go there. I have to accept His help, in fact, give everything to Him. And then in that place shall no evil befall me.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it’s perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:2-6

Am I willing to trust Him every day of my life? To let Him test me, producing endurance? To admit my lack of wisdom, and humbly ask Him for more? And to ask in faith, without the nagging doubts that so often assail us? Am I willing to ‘be of good cheer’, with joy in my heart when the hard times come?
These questions must be asked. Hopefully, you’re answer is yes to all of them. But while that is what I really want my answer to be, sometimes I find I do not live my life according to that answer. You have to be willing to let God grow that desire in you, to seek Him daily and cultivate that relationship with Him. I find that I have to constantly rededicate my life to Him and to His will. I wonder, does there ever come a time when we don’t have to do that? The answer seems to be no; you will have to make decisions for Christ every single day of your life. We live in a sinful world, full of temptations; and unless you live as a hermit, miles from any human contact all your life, you will be tempted by this world to turn from Christ. You should not feel guilty for being tempted, but you should for giving in. I want to encourage you to fight temptation; to continually seek His face. To persevere in the trials, leaning on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Knowing that He has indeed overcome the world.

Posted under Life Thoughts, Quotes, Verses

Just when I thought “Can this day get ANY worse?!!” I saw IT. And promptly screamed.

But let me back up a bit….

The day started out like nearly any other day. It turned drastically different when I checked my bank account and found a big withdrawal that I hadn’t authorized. Of course, I was very concerned about that and went straight-away to the bank to straighten the whole thing out.

Found out that a major chunk of what little money I have is going to be frozen for some time…lovely (and here I must say this with a smile-the only way to stay sane).

So that threw most of my day of majorly. I remembered on my way into town that I was supposed to be at that very moment on my way to meet a friend for a bible study we had arranged the week previous. I called my friend and got our meeting postponed till noon. After finding out what I could do about the unauthorized withdrawal (not much at the moment), and afore-mentioned study with friend, I went to work till five. Along in the afternoon (yes, while I was working; trying to at any rate) we ran into some trouble with one of the new calves just born that morning…and wouldn’t you know it, none of the men in the family were home at the time. So that meant I had to go try to fix it…finally had to make an emergency call to my brothers to come out and get things back to normal-by the way, interrupting their day-and was able to get back to work.

Needless to say, by the time five o’clock rolled around, I was exhausted and ready for bed. But it was not to be. I walked into the kitchen to get something to drink-preferably something loaded with caffeine- and noticed my mental kitty staring intently at the bread basket. I wondered at this, but hey, the cat’s lost something inside that head already, and I went on about my business. Next thing I knew, I heard a rustling in the basket. I looked over, and, yes, saw a mouse tail hanging out. I totally lost it at that point.

I got every cat and dog we own inside that kitchen trying to catch that mouse…but none of the animals seemed very obliging…and we lost the mouse. All the bread was tossed out…and my poor, mental Smoky is still staring intently at the now empty bread basket and the hole beneath the dishwasher which allowed the mouse an escape.

Posted under Hard Times, Crazy Times

I LOVE this song…I love this movie! You have to see the movie sometime, and make sure you take a listen to this song right now.

Yes, I am going slightly crazy with the YouTube thing; but…..

This song has spoken volumes to me in my walk with the Lord. At this point in my life, I’m not sure what my Lord wants me to be doing…there are certain things I believe He has told will come to pass in my life, but they haven’t come yet; so I am trying to implement this song into my life. He’s been showing me that I don’t have to see the big picture, He will give me direction in the steps I need to take right now; and I want to faithfully and confidently take those steps, trusting He will let me know what needs to be done in it’s proper time.
This may sound strange to some, but I believe the Lord God is a living God, and that He takes an interest in His creation, there to lend a helping hand through life if only we’ll accept it.

The peaceful part really got me….”I’m waiting, I’m waiting on You, Lord. And I am peaceful, I’m waiting on You Lord; though it’s not easy, no; but faithfully, I will wait. Yes I will wait!” I wanted that so much after hearing this song for the first time; and now I can say, after implementing these lyrics into my own life, I have felt that peace in waiting on the Lord.
Sure, some times may be harder than others; but I wish to remain faithful.

“I will serve You while I’m waiting. I will worship while I’m waiting. I will not faint; I’ll be running the race, even while I wait.”

“I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. Oh, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is lovingkindess, and with Him is abundant redemption.” Psalm 130:5-7

“Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31

Posted under Life Thoughts, Links, Music, Verses, Video's

A bit more of my repertoire…not that it’s especially interesting to anyone besides myself!

This song, also in French, is much easier than Juliette’s ‘Ah! Je Veux Vivre’.

I’ve actually grown quite fond of Latin since the start of this semester…one of the easier languages for me!

Hopefully I can master these two as well as the remainder of my others this last month….and then, thank the Lord, I’m done with music! At least in the ‘learn a million songs in one semester’ type of music.

Posted under Entertainment, Links, School, Video's

It’s been brought to my attention that I should have compared “Crush” not with “Time of My Life”, but with “Light On”. So just consider this an extension of that post…

This single definitely shows us all that DC is staying true to his individual style. I wasn’t dissapointed by ‘Light On’; all the more excited at getting his album!

You know, both Archie and DC are so talented in so many different ways, you really can’t compare the two. At least, I can’t.

Let me know what you think about the singles that have been released so far. If anyone knows of one I’ve missed, drop me a line so I can add it-Thanks!

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Posted under American Idol, Entertainment, Video's

Not that anyone’s interested, but here’s a look at my repertoire for the semester. This will also make it easier for me to find these video’s again.

This is actually quite a fun one to sing.

I know the next two are especially boring to watch, but these were the most accurate arrangements I could find of what I’m singing.

This next one is great. I actually sing this in English, whereas Carla Maffioletti sings Italian, and I believe she sings it in a slightly lower key than I do. But since she’s such an amazing soprano, I had to share this one with you.

And my favorite,

This one is just such fun to sing! Maybe it’s the drama in me that loves taking on the role of Juliette, even if only for a song.

I know I’ve probably bored you completely here with this post; but thought there might be a few interested in what I’m working on this semester. Or maybe not. Either way.

Posted under Entertainment, School, Video's

I don’t know exactly what happened, but I must have lost my mind. I signed up to participate in the ‘Opera Gala’ at my college. The Gala will consist of single numbers from multiple musicals and operas.

The parts I landed (and I didn’t even audition for them!) were Yum-Yum in The Mikado,

and Kathie in The Student Prince. Never mind that my part is mute in the latter.

To be honest, I’m not really sure if I want to take that one on…call me old-fashioned, but I don’t fancy the thought of some guy I hardly know grabbing me in that manner.

Add to it all that I HATE appearing publicly like that. I mean, I don’t like to be the center of attention in a crowd; I get all flustered, confused, not to mention embarrassed. But that is something I need to work on; appearing publicly I mean. It’s a good skill to have, whether we use it often or not. And I think I’m going to be given plenty of opportunities to stretch myself in that way over the next couple months. In addition to the Gala, I will be giving a powerpoint presentation in my computer class, and I think I may have to do something in my Ag Econ class…but it may turn out I won’t after all; I’ll see. Oh, yeah, and I’ll have at least two juries this semester with voice, as well as having to perform for the studio class multiple times.

These are all things that place me way out of my comfort zone. But that’ll be good for me. I just hope I survive.

Posted under Entertainment, Links, School

Comparing “Time of My Life” and “Crush” as singles.

I don’t know why I’m writing this. Millions have already expressed their opinions on David’s new single; and millions more couldn’t care less. But here I am, nonetheless, to give my belated thoughts.

By all means, Archie has me hooked. I love the kid, I really do. He has incredible vocal talent, and great prospects. But one thing has me wondering. His single peaked at #2 on the charts, while A-I finalist, David Cook’s single peaked at #3. Does this once and for all prove that DC’s winning was just a fluke? That indeed Archie is a far more talented and popular young man?

I’m not so sure. Look at the singles; the actual songs, if you will. Who wrote “The Time of My Life”? Who wrote “Crush”?

“T.T.M.L.” was written by a previously unheard-of songwriter, whereas “Crush”…well, I’m not sure who wrote “Crush”. But I assume that it was someone who’d had experience in this line (writing songs) already. Come on, would they really have stuck Archie with an amateur?!

My theory is this; the song (Crush) itself appeals to a wide range of audiences, and when coupled with Archie’s voice (which, by the way, this song was written expressly for); what you end up with is magic.

Take another look at DC’s single….”T.T.M.L” wasn’t written for DC…it had to be written for any number of potential finalists. So, we could say that it may not be the best match for his voice. Already, with that reasoning, Archie’s single should be above DC’s.

Another thing; all the hype that DC got about his single was…well, it was only from winning A-I. So, yeah, that could be a lot. Or not.

Personally, I didn’t know about DC’s release till I was surfing through i-tunes one day; and believe me, the die-hard David Cook fan that I am not to know beforehand…well, I’m not sure how that was accomplished.

Archie’s single, on the other hand…I knew of his upcoming release weeks in advance. I wasn’t even looking for any news of it; the coverage was everywhere.

Honestly, it would seem, all things considered, that Archie’s would come out ahead. But does this mean he is a better artist?

I’m waiting till their albums come out to pronounce anything final. Come November, maybe the debate will be settled. Or maybe it won’t. Some things never are, you know.

Until then, share your thoughts here! I welcome comments and interaction.

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As of today, David Archuleta’s album is scheduled for release on the 11th of November. David Cook’s is set for three days later, on the 14th. Here’s hoping they don’t push the release dates back. I can’t wait to get these albums in my collection; I’ve already pre-ordered them!

Posted under American Idol, Entertainment

Leslie Gray Streeter shares a question/answer session with some of our favorites…at least, some of my favorites, from American Idol. YEAH! Just what we need, right?

Plus, a little snippet on Kara DioGuardi. And yes, that’s again. She sure is generating a lot of buzz.

Posted under American Idol, Links

So, a fourth judge is to join our infamous trio on American Idol next spring? Well, I think it’s about time. Hopefully, she’ll add a breathe of fresh air to our current judges critiques.

I confess I didn’t know much about her, except that she had indeed worked with Celine Dion (arguably THE most talented female recording artist to date), Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, and Kelly Clarkson, and new favorites, the Jonas Brothers; among others.

A few little facts about Kara that I dug up, if you’re interested.

Kara co-owns Arthouse Entertainment, a “resource business for record companies and other music entities seeking compositions, productions, artists, and related music services”.

She works with Phoenix House, a non-profit substance abuse service organization.

Kara has had over 264 songs released on major labels worldwide, quite a feat, if you ask me. Her songs have been featured on several major motion pictures, film soundtracks, and television shows, to name a few.

She has worked with the following American Idol contestants: Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson (as already mentioned), Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood (already mentioned), Katherine McPhee, Taylor Hicks; and she is also working currently with both David Archuleta and David Cook.

Are you excited? Personally, I’m looking forward extremely to next years A-I; Kara will prove an irreplaceable asset, I’m sure of it.

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Thanks to MasterClassLady for the Entertainment News Updates.

Posted under American Idol, Entertainment, Links