In the Beginning...

I created this blog a few weeks ago, yet it's remained empty. Why, you ask? Well, because I'm a slacker. But it's my goal to become better about it. Mind you, it's a goal. ;) And I'm a work in progress...BIG TIME.

Anywho...if you want lightheartedness and funny-ha-ha's, you should probably book it over to my other blog: http://justanotherpiecetothepuzzle.blogspot.com/

This one is of a more "serious" nature, though anyone that knows me also knows that I'm a fairly lighthearted individual, so it won't be too intense. I don't guarantee profundity, but I do guarantee honesty. Agree or disagree--It's your choice :) But for the most part, it'll just give you a little peek into my brain and heart! (So enter at your own risk!) <3

At any cost, I've been pondering over the last few days what I wanted to do with my first post. Do I go uber-serious? Do I go profound? Do I crack everyone up? Do I go rage'ish? Or do I go sappy? So many choices....yet this is what I have come up with...

Most people that know me (or have known me for a good amount of time, at least) know that I'm a music freak. Music has played a pivotal part of my existence. I'm always singing, humming, or thinking of song lyrics. I started singing in church when I was 7...and not to brag or anything, but I was also one of the most admired singers at HCA from 4th-9th grade (ok, so there were, like 40 kids there in a good year...so what? lol)...and when I was in 4th grade, I was even part of this ridiculous "quartet" of girls that traveled to different churches to sing. Apparently, I was hot potatoes, because the other girls were in 6th, 7th, and 9th grade...*chuckles* It was ridiculous...not kidding. It was one of those embarrassing experiences that I often try to forget.

And then I moved to Washington in the middle of 9th grade. *Insert Ominous music here* Color me ANGRY. lol Seriously, though...I was a miffed girl...and I was over-dramatic in that I thought my parents were ruining my life and that I would never have friends like I had in Pennsylvania. Wrong. (Don't you love how God ALWAYS proves you wrong? :) lol ) There I was in WA...this 14 year-old girl surrounded by mostly guys from the ages of 16-21...but the LOVELY thing about this group of boys was the fact that they played instruments. LOL Novel, I know...but I came from a youth group where the only instrument was a keyboard....played by a 60 year-old woman. Not inspiring. (I know now that you can be touched by ANYTHING as long as your heart is right and ready...however, I HEART praise and worship songs...no contest.)

Anywho....when they heard me sing, they decided that I should be in the worship team with them. I said "no" for a few weeks, but eventually, I succombed to their persuasion...lol. And that is what really helped me make the transition from unhappy new girl to girl with purpose who belonged. Music and that worship team is truly what helped open my heart up to God and all that He wanted to do in my life. Sure, it wasn't always sunshine and kittens....worship team had MAJOR DRAMA...if any of my WA peeps ever read this blog, they'll remember that...but it was an experience that changed my life. And I'll always be grateful to "the boys" (and a few girls) that gave me a swift kick into it :)

But anyways...back to where I was going...MUSIC is key to my life. I think that we're spoken to in a multitude of ways, but there's just something about music that reaches everyone...and in so many different ways. I'm pretty eclectic in that I like ALL kinds of music...give me a genre, and there's SOMETHING that I like...though I may not be as fond of some as others (especially screamo), I've also been known to have the most random playlists that go from classical to Top 40 to country to rap and so on....

But sometimes...there's just nothing like some good, old Christian praise and worship music. I actually went for a time back in my late teen years that I ONLY listened to Christian music, and I'll admit that it was a really good experience for me. I'm not saying that everyone needs to do that...but I must also admit that it was one of the most encouraging times of my life.

In closing, I feel that there's a good chance that this blog is going to be inundated with music and lyrics...ones that have gripped my life and heart. Here was one of my all-time faves that we sang at Liberty:

Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You

To know and follow hard after You
To grow as Your disciple in Your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing You, my Lord
So lead me on, and I will run after You
Lead me on, and I will run after You


That's my goal. Like my blog name, my whole being has been granted "Because of His Grace." When I feel that others may have failed me, or when I may fail myself, He is always there to pick up the pieces. He is the Relentless Lover, always calling us back to Him. This world has NOTHING on our God...though there are some things I'd still love to experience on this earth, I know this is all temporary. It is because of His mercy and grace that I even exist...and in return, it is my desire to know Him to the best of my ability, seeking Him always--above any and all else. (Yes. Even above RPattz. HA! Had to throw at least SOMETHING a little bit silly in there)

And there we have it...first entry...Done.

Loves to all. Peace, and Goodnight!