Weekend Workroom: Simple wall art

For a long while, we've still been trying to figure out how to fill those empty walls we tend to find throughout our home. We're getting there, but it has been a slow process because we haven't wanted to put things up just because we have them. We wanted to put things up that were meaningful or actually might qualify as grown-up art.

And, yes, I know grown-ups rarely refer to themselves as "grown-ups."

I came across this project, however, and figured that if it worked it could be a really awesome way to make our own "art" pieces for both our bedroom and for the living room (which, aside from the Christmas season when stockings are hung on the wall, can be pretty barren). If it didn't work, I realized I wouldn't be out a ton of money and I would have at least spent an afternoon trying something new.

A quote Christopher has really come to love lately (that I'm trying to work into my own heart and mentality, as well) is from G. K. Chesterton: "Anything worth doing is worth doing badly."

So, I set out to try this project. I bought most of my supplies at Michael's, but I shift my supplier (that sounds so much more official than it actually is) based on what is on sale. Michael's happened to have the better deals on large (I think they were 18x20-inch canvas packs), as well as a coupon for the Helvetica packs that I used for the lettering. I think I bought the paint there, too.

The project was initially supposed to be a secret but, as most people who know and Christopher and I well, we don't do particularly well with secrets. We maybe keep them for two days. Then it's all over. The main reason this project didn't stay a secret was because I wanted something that would be meaningful for Chris and I wanted his input. We finally (after much debate) settled on short bits of one of the verses from "Be Thou My Vision," which is one of Christopher's favorite hymns (if not his favorite).

And, since the process takes a while, we're still trying to figure out what to put on the other set, which is why they haven't been put together yet...

Regardless, I liked how the panels turned out, particularly because I took the time to draw the necessary grids and to space letters for each panel, knowing that I am not capable of making anything straight on my own. We decided to keep this set (for our bedroom) really simple, only doing one color per panel. Some colors needed more coats of paint than others (particularly the deep red), but I just kept at it - I did laundry and cleaned the house bit by bit between coats. The paint did bleed in a bit (like the one from A Beautiful Mess), but from any distance it's not too bad. It adds a bit of texture and gives the Helvetica a bit of a distressed look, which is kind of cool (in my opinion).

Anyway, it was a fun, simple way to do wall art. I'm looking forward to completing some more in the coming year and continuing to make our home both beautiful and meaningful.

Treasure on a Tuesday: Christian "Indie"

None of these are truly "indie" in the traditionally independent meaning, I suppose. They are more independent or nontraditional Christian releases, which is why I've labelled them "indie." In the Christian airplay market, most things that don't get play might as well be independent.

Regardless, these are some favorites from the last several years, and for a variety of reasons. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Phillip LaRue - Let the Road Pave Itself (2009)
When I was in high school, there was this brother-sister duo that we kind of listened to called "LaRue," based upon the duo's last name (naturally). Some good stuff, but not necessarily earth-shattering. Enter Phillip LaRue's first solo release a few years ago - something changed in a big way. This collection of songs is honest and raw in a way that few ever are in a culture that often appreciates more polished offerings. Favorite tracks include "Chasing the Daylight," "Sleeping Beauty," "Running So Long" and "Mountains High Valleys Low." This is one of the few recent albums I can listen to from end-to-end, as each track is beautiful and (for most of them, at least) haunting in its own way. "Black and Blue" is about as emotionally wrenching as it comes, questioning God's involvement in the roughest of days. Stunningly beautiful.

Adam Watts - Sleeping Fire (2006)
This guy name Jeremy Camp used to have a drummer named Adam Watts. Watts started releasing his own music starting with 2004's The Noise Inside, and kind of branched off to do more of his own thing. Sleeping Fire is a bit more polished than Watts' first album, and a bit more focused thematically. Many of the songs center on the idea that we're inching our way through life, in faith, and illuminate the humanity in us all that Christ came to redeem. "Invisible Light" is one of my favorite songs, perhaps of all time. I also heartily enjoy "Fly Fall Fly," "Bear With Me," and "Real for Me," and essentially the whole album.

Caedmon's Call - Share the Well (2004)
This is one of those albums that matter. Caedmon's set out on a series of international missions trips that led to the concept for this album. They incorporated native musicians, traditional styles, and global-consciousness into this incredible offering of songs. The band's emphasis that the same God exists over all peoples is humbling in "There's Only One (Holy One)." Christ's sufficiency for all of those peoples is conveyed in the deep-reaching "All I Need (I Did Not Catch Her Name)" and "The Roses." Scattered interludes by native musicians make this a project to listen to in order for full effect, and lead gracefully from song to song. Other favorites: "Volcanoland," "Bombay Rain," and "Wings of the Morning."

Andrew Peterson - Resurrection Letters, Vol. II (2008)
You might ask where the first volume is if you ever start to look for it, but Peterson still hasn't released a first volume to prelude this one. But that's okay. This album stands just fine on its own. For much of our second year of marriage, Chris and I listened to this album as our alarm in the mornings. It is one of Peterson's most polished releases, with great production value and the honest but fine-tuned tracks for which he is well-known. Favorites include "Invisible God," "Hosea," "Rocket," and "The Good Confession (I Believe)." Peterson is a music-crafter. He is one of the many that inspire me to create things that matter, and make me weep when I hear those that do.

Treasure on a Tuesday: Older Mainstream Favorites

So... I definitely have not been able to put together the rest of my house post over at that other blog I write at sometimes. Our office is in at least three other rooms right now, and is likely to stay that way until we trim out the walls with new baseboards. When that's done, we can start putting things back together! (I'm really stoked about that - it means I get to reorganize everything, again!)

Meanwhile, I'll entertain you with some more of my favorite music. This time, I'm looking at some older mainstream favorites. And by "older," I mean not from the last five years. I'm not talking classics. Talk to my husband if you want classics - I just do "older" and "recent." If you've got a problem with that, I invite you to visit my disclaimer here.

Copeland - In Motion (2005)

Where does one even start with Copeland? I mean, the band's first album, Beneath Medicine Tree, was incredible to me. Maybe it was the pseudo-emo phase I hit my first few years of college where I listened to a lot more emotionally-driven rock music (like Mae and Jimmy Eat World), or perhaps the fact that I saw them live in Greeley with a good friend and got a signed copy of their first album, but there was and still is something very magnetic to me about this group's music. While BMT was a little tamer, In Motion is full of more upbeat tracks (good upbeat tracks - none of that crazy club stuff), designed specifically to get people moving. Favorite tracks include the opener, "No One Really Wins," which sports one of my favorite lines: "In the endless fight of grace and pride / I don't want to win this time;" "You Have My Attention;" and "Hold Nothing Back" and "You Love to Sing," smooth and creative ballads that pull at the heartstrings, resting on the beauty of lead singer Aaron Marsh's range. Also great, "Control" from Eat, Sleep, Repeat, the band's third offering.

Coldplay - Parachutes (2000) 

Somewhere toward the end of my high school years, I started hearing these incredible key riffs on the radio (you know, when I still listened to the radio), and all my friends started listening to this British band. I was against the whole idea until I started connecting the riffs with Coldplay. My friend Danae loaned me her copies of Parachutes and Rush of Blood to the Head. I remember driving back and forth between my parents' house and the place I house-sat for that summer, listening to the sonic loveliness of these two albums, driving around so that I had more time in the car to listen before I headed back home. It was a great summer. Regardless, Parachutes is still one of the few albums I can turn to when I'm in a funk (or just contemplative) and not become funkier (because as much as I love Jimmy Eat World, when I listen to them, my funks get funkier). Every track still hits a sweet spot when it hits my ears. Favorites? All of them. "Yellow" is, naturally, a classic. I hear "We Never Change" spring out of nowhere sometimes while I'm driving in silence - it's simple guitar and melody combo haunting me more than a decade later. "Trouble" and "Spies" - if you haven't heard them, just listen to them. In my opinion, this might be Chris Martin's best vocal work out of all the band's albums.

Dishwalla - Self-Titled (2005)

It's amazing how I love each of these bands' earlier albums, but the ones that are "favorite" are later albums. Dishwalla definitely falls into that category. I was introduced to the band through some great older friends who mentored for our youth ministry and played random tunes before and after youth functions. Dishwalla's Opaline is one of the albums that was a pretty consistent play my last year of high school. When I went off to college, I kept waiting and waiting for a new album from the band, and - finally - they came out with their self-titled album in 2005. I was on vacation with my parents, met up with some friends from school out in California for a day or two, and picked up the album almost the day it came out at Barnes & Noble (because people still did that then). I listened to the album the entire way back to Colorado, sitting in the back of my dad's truck. When lead singer J.R. Richards sings, it's like stepping into a rock opera - the clarity and intonation is unbelievable - and it lends itself so well to this collection of songs. The run of "Coral Sky" to "Winter Sun" to "Creeps in the Stone" to "Surrender the Crown" might be my favorite album run, because this collection was created as an album rather than single downloads for iTunes. The transitions are seamless, and the songs sweep you along from one incredible place to another.

Treasure on a Tuesday-Wednesday: Sara Groves and My Favorite 15 Sara Groves Songs

In honor of Easter, I wanted to share some of the songs that reflect my understanding of the cross and the price at which my life was purchased so many years ago. As I started looking, however, I realized that so many of my favorites were by one artist: Sara Groves.

Over the last 12 years, Groves has released 10 albums. There are few artists who compare in their abilities to write creatively, challenge the integrity of my heart, and bring me face-to-face with the real person of Jesus Christ. Her songs challenge me to be a better follower of Jesus and, as a musician, she challenges me to be a better songwriter.

She's hard to forget. I once saw her play live and she went up on stage, popped out her gum and placed it on the keyboard next to her before starting her set. She's a normal person with regular struggles in faith, life, and love, but she's one that I admire greatly in many ways. The result is that it's hard to pick favorites because her music is just favorite. But I picked favorites.

And by "favorites," I mean 15. There was no way around it, people. It would have been, like 50 if I hadn't curbed myself to 15. I'll keep these short and sweet.

If you haven't ever listened to Sara Groves' music, I suggest you start with these:

Conversations (2001)

• (1) "The Word" - This was one of the first songs I ever heard by Groves. A timeless, catchy, beautiful song about Christ as the Word of God, rooted in Hebrews 13:8.
• (2) "Generations" - One of the most influential songs for my heart while I was finishing high school, as it reminded me of the fact that what I sowed in my life, generations would reap after me. Every high school kid needs to know he or she doesn't exist in a vacuum - we are part of a great story, and our choices have consequences.

All Right Here (2002)

• (3) "Tornado" - A little different from most of her songs musically, this one's a little more country and a little less piano ballad. Groves walks through experiences with people who cause chaos and who require forgiveness in this fun and heartfelt analogy-driven song.
• (4) "You Cannot Lose My Love" - A simple song about the constant nature of God's love. We cannot lose it. Ever!

The Other Side of Something (2005)

• (5) "What I Thought I Wanted" - This first song began to resonate deeply in my heart when my heart was finally for the man that I eventually married. It's a testament to God's grace and sovereignty, even in the things we think might be too small for Him to notice.
  Thoughts on the Song: "Reflections" (from 9/13/2005)

Add to the Beauty (2005)

• (6) "Kingdom Comes" - After Chris and I started dating, this was (I think) the first album by Groves that he heard. It flipped his thoughts about female singer/songwriters. This song, about laying aside comfort and personal desires for the sake of the kingdom, has been the basis of our hearts toward ministry and in our marriage. Bit by bit, the kingdom is certainly coming.
  Thoughts on the Song: "Christmas" (from 12/25/2005)
• (7) "To The Moon" - A sweet and short bit of witticism on the state of the church today, which seems more than ready to head for the moon because no one understands us here. A call to remain exists in its well-conceived words, to fight the good fight and trust that God can take care of the details. We are meant to be set apart. Let us embrace and rejoice in what marks us!
• (8) "Why It Matters" -  This stirring piano-driven song is about remembering why it matters that Christ came and died and rose again on behalf of our sins. Christ is the Light in the darkness, shining out hope and refuge in the darkest places. In Him we have "small ramparts for the soul," and that is beautiful and meaningful.

Tell Me What You Know (2007)

• (9) "When the Saints" - Perhaps my all-time favorite (I know, right? I did just say that), and for good reason. Every time I hear this song, the hairs on my arms stand on end. A play on the song, "When the Saints Go Marching In," Groves turns the song into a testament of God's faithfulness to the saints through the years, from Paul and those in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11) to those still sold into slavery today. We are part of an incredibly big picture that God is weaving together, of faith and life, and the mercy that is offered to us that makes us stand up and know, "I want to be one of them."
• (10) "It Might Be Hope" - Simple things catch my attention in captivating ways. They herald the provision and great goodness of Christ. This is a song about that, about finding hope in the littlest of places when life is hard.

O Holy Night (2008)

• (11) "It's True (feat. Toby Groves)" -  I am not ashamed to say that I listen to this Christmas song all year long. It's beautiful and chilling all at the same time. The first several times I listened to it, I broke down in tears. It's all true! God came down to save us! Hallelujah! (And it features Groves' oldest son, Toby, which mostly just makes me cry more - so amazing.)

Fireflies & Songs (2009)

• (12) "Different Kinds of Happy" - This song keenly expressed the end game of my last battle with depression, when I finally let my dear husband walk with me through its conclusion. It is an incredible image of having everything out in the open with someone you trust to love you, regardless of what he might find in your depths. Good and life-giving reminders for my heart.
  Thoughts on the Song: "A different kind of happy" (from 12/1/2010)
• (13) "Joy is in Our Hearts" - This song strikes such a good balance between understanding sorrow and understanding the promises of joy and peace that we have in Christ. A great reminder that Christ Himself is our joy and strength.

Invisible Empires (2011)

• (14) "Open My Eyes" - My recent favorite, I listen to this a lot because it is relevant to where I've found myself in life of late. God's goodness and common grace are everywhere, and our circumstances do not negate that. I believe that He is who He says He is.
  Thoughts on the Song: "Thursday Thoughts - Rain is No Measure" (from 1/26/2012)
• (15) "Precious Again" - One of the sweetest things I have known in the past few years is how God returns my heart to Him in simple ways. When life seems dry and I have no desire to seek Him, He makes it "precious again" to my heart, and I love this song for its expression of that promise I've found in Him.

Treasure on a Tuesday: Classic Christian

So... because the last of these posts caused some confusion, I want to be very clear as to the point of this whole thing with the addition of a disclaimer.

My Disclaimer: What appears in this series of posts reflects my personal favorites regarding certain categories of music, books, etc. Choices may not necessarily reflect popularity of an artist/author/whatever within whatever category they fit and may not reflect your own personal views. They are my favorites, which means they can be whatever I choose them to be. With music, I choose favorites based on a combination of actual talent, lyricism, and my own personal liking of the music. Books are often based on writing, plot, and my own ability to become wrapped up in the story. Should you disagree, that's fine. You are allowed to have your own favorites. Just don't tell me what mine ought to be. The only one who can determine that is me. That is all. Semi-rant done.

*****

There is something completely weird about music (especially Christian "rock") from about 1997 through 2004 or so. It was a very unique time that sounds like very little else that has been produced since - quintessential 90s music... just a little later, because that's how the Christian industry did things back then (maybe they still do - I stopped listening to the radio several years ago).

Regardless, being a musical product of the late 90s and early 2000s, when I was finally old enough to start buying my own music and also started buying music that actually mattered, there are a few albums that have followed me around for years by bands that put out quite a few albums in that era (and some still today).

Smalltown Poets - It's Later than It's Ever Been (2004)
Smalltown Poets didn't make a terribly huge mark with their four albums (this was the last main studio release), but they made a huge mark on my own life, starting with their debut self-titled album in 1997. While some herald Third Verse as the best of their albums (don't get me wrong, it's a great album), I am personally partial to this one. In my opinion, it is a more consistent album sonically and thematically than the band's other three albums. I need reminders of heaven - that it is something to look forward to, something to desire - and tracks like "There on the Sun" and "We Will Continue" (which is one of my favorite songs of all time) get my heart there. "Love So Divine" is hymn-like in its construction and so incredibly beautiful - "My every hope and fear / is resting here with Thee //" I need that every day. And "Lay it Down" is a sweet beckoning for all to come and rest their burdens at the Savior's feet, regardless of what is being dragged along. In all, a wonderful collection of songs.

The Waiting - The Waiting (1997)
There are two types of people: Those who like the Waiting and those who don't. Most of the dislike, unfortunately, comes from the unique nature of the lead singer's voice. Personally, I love it for its lack of pretension - it's just a man who loves to worship. I heard the Waiting's "Number 9" and "Hands in the Air" for the first time on a sampler that I got in 1997 that also had a track or two from Switchfoot's debut, "The Legend of Chin." I still find myself singing "How Do You Do That?" at random moments in the car, though it will be months (years even) between listenings. I got this album at a point when most people still listened to albums over and over until they knew them backward and forward (or maybe it was just me - all I know is that most people don't do this anymore). One of my favorites from the era, "Number 9" is full of sassy irony. While certainly a bit dated stylistically, the eternal themes found in the album are timeless, particularly in the sufficiency of Christ's blood in "It is Enough" and "Beautiful Blood," the surrender of "Hands in the Air," and the longing for heaven in "Heaven is Home."

Jars of Clay - The Eleventh Hour (2002)
Jars of Clay's first album was one of my first two CDs (that and dcTalk's live CD from their Jesus Freak tour), and it still remains a classic in many ways, but The Eleventh Hour is my favorite from their 90s-sound era (before they mixed things up with Who We Are Instead, which is in a different category altogether). This album is where Jars found a great balance between its early groove and its later creativity after the more formulaic sophomore album and more experimental third (I have nothing against Crazy Times or If I Left the Zoo... pretty much all of early Jars can be considered "favorite"). I love "Revolution" - it might be one of those timeless tracks for me. I remember hearing it for the first time and being completely blown away by its rhythm. The title track is a great reminder that we all need to be sanctified, and sounds a lot like Jason Wade of Lifehouse (whose debut album released in 2000). "The Edge of Water" is a little more personal, a little more emotional, waiting for the coming return of Christ - with a little banjo thrown in there for good measure. Definitely early Jars, but definitely also a great album in its own right.

Treasure on a Tuesday: Favorite Worship Albums

A few more favorites, this time three of my favorite worship albums. Since I'm not on my own computer tonight (using Christopher's laptop instead so I don't have to freeze downstairs), I won't include images. Might update that later, but none for now.

Life has been kind of crazy, but there's something about remembering who God is and the price that Christ paid for our freedom that is so peace-instilling in the midst of all the crazy. That's when I'm grateful for the worshipful hearts of others that capture thoughts I've been trying to piece together for years. 

Please note that I hold nothing against more mainstream worship albums. I have my share of Chris Tomlin, DCB, Desperation, and Hillsong just like the rest of us - these just hold a special place in my heart. And, yes, I am aware that none of these artists are releasing music these days. Here's hoping they do again soon (except for maybe Delirious?, who had a long and glorious run - ending with the incredible Kingdom of Comfort), but that's a digression...

Jason Morant - Open (2006)

I don't remember just when I first heard this album, but I remember it belonging to my brother. Somehow, I inherited it with a bunch of his other CDs, and it has become an easy favorite. There's a simplicity and beauty in Morant's understanding of God in "Holy" and "Veils" - calls for me to see Him for Who He is and not for what I can so readily make Him out to be. "Offering," "Display My Love," "All of Me," and "At Your Feet" all speak to the desperate desire we have to be able to offer something of worth back to Christ for all He has done for us. And last, but certainly not least, is my favorite track - "Hosanna." Eight minutes long, this beautiful song has a chorus built around traditional Latin liturgy: "Hosanna / Filio David // Hosanna / in Altisimis //" (Hosanna / Son of David // Hosanna / in the Highest //). Goosebumps every time I hear it. It's like being in a European cathedral and worshiping Jesus. Amazing.

Delirious? - The Mission Bell (2005) 

Delirious? made a lot of worship albums, including World Service, which remains a close second to Mission Bell. There's something raw and quirky about this one, however - the main reason it remains my favorite from the band. Chris and I both love the version of "Solid Rock," rap courtesy of TobyMac included. It's awesome. "All This Time" and "Miracle Maker" remind you just Who is in charge of this whole life thing. "Our God Reigns" is brutally honest about the condition of the world around us, but the emphasis on God's promise and sovereignty through it all still gives me chills. My two favorite tracks are the album's last: "Take Off My Shoes" and "I'll See You" - reminders of God's holiness and the incredible gift Christ gave us when He bought our entrance into His presence.

Something Like Silas - Divine Invitation (2004)

We got a lot of random CDs from Hoi Polloi, a huge music festival that the Christian community in Denver tried to get going at the Pepsi Center one year (or maybe two - we only went one). Amidst the large selection of junk that you get with samples was a Something Like Silas single. One of my absolute favorites is "Spirit Waltz," a relaxed kind of ditty that somehow holds incredible power in its words and understanding of the depths of God's love. Some of the slower songs carry vocals a little reminiscent of Copeland's In Motion, particularly "I Fall" and the title track. Another standout for me is "Infinite," describing the breadth of God and how His infinite nature enables us to trust Him in His full sovereignty. If you enjoy this album, you might like the band that emerged from SLS - Future of Forestry. 

Treasure on a Tuesday: Some Recent "Mainstream" Favorites

Another new feature is kind of a take-off of something I typically do anyway, which is share what I've been listening to/what my favorite albums are and other things that I particularly enjoy, such as books, TV shows, movies, etc. - Basically just things that I consider "treasure" in the midst of all the junky media that can often drown out the better things in life. Each week, I want to highlight favorites from a certain category.

This week, I want to introduce you to some of my more recently discovered "mainstream" favorites (like, say, from the last three years or so). Don't be confused, however, not all of these are the most recent releases by the artists - just ones that I've latched onto in more recent years and that continue to be played wherever I can find music.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals - This is Somewhere (2007)

Now, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals DO have a more recent album, their 2010 self-titled third album, but this is the album that made me fall in love with the Southern rock and blues style that makes this group very different from a lot of other music. It's like a road trip through the South, some fast, some ambling, from "Apologies" (the first tune I heard off the album and perhaps still my favorite) to "Big White Gate" and "Ain't No Time." Typically, I make sure not to listen to "If I was from Paris," which took me a few listens to realize was a little sketch. But an all-around great album. Also great, the band's first album, Nothing but the Water, which is quickly becoming Christopher's favorite.

Monarch - Lowly (2007) 

I'm not quite sure how I stumbled onto Monarch, but I remember being floored enough by their debut, The Grandeur that was Rome, that I ordered the CD from Northern Records' web site (something very uncommon for me). Lowly, the band's follow-up, tones down the band's vibe a bit for a more mainstream-sounding album - though perhaps they are still far from mainstream. The album doesn't appear to be available on iTunes as it once was, but is definitely worth a listen. Favorites include the crazy drop-in on "Lose It All," the haunting simplicity of "Save Your," and the memorable title track where the choir-backed ending is chilling and poignant.

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More (2010)

At this point, I think everyone knows about Mumford (and if you don't, you might actually have been living under a rock). The thing is, while most heard "Little Lion Man" hit the airwaves about 18 months ago, I heard "Timshel" for the first time in April of 2010. I couldn't get it out of my head for days because it was so incredibly pervasive and haunting. Therefore, my purchase. Destined to be one of the best albums of this generation, Sigh No More is some strange concoction of whirling dervish, folk, and bluegrass that somehow draws even the least country-inclined individual into its grasp. The band set out to make music that mattered - and I'd say they succeeded.

The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow (2011)

The first time that Joy Williams stepped onto the touring circuit, I saw her perform at a church with Avalon and some other contemporary artists. While I was impressed with her vocal prowess, I wasn't terribly with whoever was writing her songs. Apparently, I had reached the point in my life where I needed more than the confections that CCM offered then (and still does now). One of the reasons I loved Williams' last solo effort, Genesis, was that it did offer something a bit deeper. Once dropped from her label, she released a few EPs on iTunes through her own management group, filled with great songs like "We Mapped the World" and my personal favorite, "Speaking a Dead Language." 

And then she paired up with this guy. There's something about John Paul White's ability to tone down Williams' voice, and the folksy style they adopted that is incredibly captivating. When "Poison and Wine" was released, it caused a minor ripple in the industry. This crazy independent duo was making music with a fairly resounding impact. Live from Eddie's Attic tided fans over until Barton Hollow was released early last year. I tried to wait until midnight so I could buy it on iTunes, but fell asleep. Instead, I purchased it the next morning, and I have loved it ever since. Particular favorites: "The Violet Hour," "My Father's Father," and the more traditionally country "Forget Me Not."