christmas at the morrow's

Mini worship set with my family. Twenty family members gathered in the living room. The babies still and wondrous at the voices and harmony. Bri on keys, my dad on guitar, my uncle on congas. Complete with the likes of "Beautiful Exchange" and "I Surrender All", my grandma's all-too-familar voice blaring the tenor part.

this is Christmas at the Morrow's when church is cancelled.

our christmas present to our parents

A HUGE thanks to Mary Smoot for these gorgeous photos.

the whole clan.

my sister is such a beautiful and graceful mother.

winners of cutest family ever, and cutest baby ever.

one of my very favorite faces.

the inseparable five.

my wonderful "little" brother with all his girls.

THE HANDSOME BOYS!!

This is my family.

We do real, we do mistakes, we do grace, we do cuddling, we do dance parties, we do loud really well...

we do so much love.

loved.

The action of loving is something, but to be loved - well, that's everything.

It's a feeling everyone desires; it's a longing to be noticed, regarded, wanted. It is a part of human nature and at the core of our souls.

Lately, I have contemplated what it would be like to be loved. I imagine it to be enchanting, mesmerizing, blissful. I think my head would swim and I would probably question it over and over again...loving the way it sounds as it's repeated to me. I want this. I pray for this.

But, as a 21 year-old hopeless romantic with hefty expectations for love, I must remember that the truest form of love is from the Lord. He alone demonstrates the selflessness and purity of that which is love itself. I am reminded of this whenever I picture human love...I am reminded that it will never measure up to the love that God has so freely given.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love...I have drawn you in with loving-kindness" - Jeremiah 31:3

I have LOVED you. Loved. Can you even imagine the magnitude of that concept? Isn't there something humbling about knowing you are LOVED by God? It's not just a verb; it's not just an action - it is actually a description of His relationship with us. It attaches us to Him. We are His. We are LOVED.

Just my thoughts of the night.

- d

simple pleasures are treasures

this list is lengthy -- and I believe that's a good thing.

- reading to children, seeing their eyes soak in the pictures while they point out the objects of recognition

- getting in the car and seeing at least five inspiration exchange cds from your best friend who sends them from across the country

- eating outside in the sunshine

- a really good worship song

- watching your sister be a mother

- a worn Bible

- Andrea Bocelli & Katharine McPhee belting the notes of "The Prayer" on blu-ray with surround sound

- the smile from 'that person' when you catch each others' eyes from across the room

- itunes giftcards

- seeing a thunder storm within the clouds up in an airplane and realizing just how small you are in this world

- listening to "ragdoll" by aerosmith with the windows down, sunglasses on, and the breeze putting tangles in your hair

- wasting time

- feeling your best friend's baby boy kick from within her round pregant belly

- seeing families in restaurants stop and pray before their meal

- spotting your first firefly of the summer

- shivering on the first brisk day of fall when the leaves are faintly yellow

- sitting down at the piano to practice fundamentals for two hours

- giving gifts and anticipating reactions

- realizing your potential

- praying, not for yourself, but for others

- using your imagination

- the feeling you get once you turn in a huge paper

- effortless harmony when singing with your sisters

- watching your brother throw his first touchdown pass - and knowing you'll see hundreds more

- seeing cars on the highway with "just married" signs...bliss

- a rainy day (when you're prepared for it)

- beautiful reunions with old high school friends

- reading a proverb a day

- toy story 3

- being canadian

- a word document that is 41 pages long...made up entirely of quotes

- when romo throws a touchdown

- creating something uniquely "you"

- singing silly little songs with your favorite toddler...embracing your inner child to make him laugh

- christmas movies

- elderly people who are happy

- cashing checks

- fresh highlights in your hair or a new hair cut

- songs in minor keys - ironically letting the sadness liven your heart

- good, timely hugs

- your nephew's little smiles that spread across his fat cheeks as you make silly faces over skype

- saying something funny...and actually making people laugh

- spending money at the movie theater on a movie that was totally worth it (popcorn doused in butter is a plus)

- getting mail

- when someone tells you he/she loves texas

- a heartfelt compliment

- chick-fil-a when you're craving it

- talking about faith with your friends

- a new pair of shoes

- discovering a new musician

- lengthy prayer time...the kind where you lose all concept of time because you're chatting away with Jesus

- making time for reading novels

- an early morning run

- loving people who forget you

- organizing your songs on itunes by playlists -- descriptive and mood oriented playlists -- pointless, but strangely self-fulfilling

- seeing your younger sisters become strong leaders

- sunshine at the perfect angle so you can see the distinct rays cutting across your vision

- the pretty names you save for your future children (I don't share them in fear of being made fun of/stolen from)

- grammar grammar grammar

- driving - for the music and the option to go really fast

- some good ole shakespeare when you're feeling romantic

- hearing your favorite song at a live concert

- road trips with your family

- staying up late at night and sleeping late into the morning

- eating a hotdog at a baseball game

- crunching leaves under your cozy boots on an October day

- finding a good sale on something you really, really wanted

- having people fully trust you with their children

- singing when no one is listening

beauty in life and most importantly, beauty within yourself, is found in the little things.

"the road is now a sudden sea"

I am sitting on my dorm bed – complete with bed risers so as to fit what seems as my entire world underneath. My bed lies horizontal against the window – which overlooks the beautiful brick McMurran Hall complete with enormous, elegant white pillars. It looks about the length of 3 football fields, although I’m sure I’m exaggerating this quite a bit. All my English classes meet there. I love that building.

I am listening to Dashboard Confessional…on headphones, of course. Oh, roommates. Rare are the opportunities to openly listen to music. So, with reluctance, I allow the music to be confined to my ears alone. Alle is sitting across the room absorbed in a book, completely unaware that I am blasting the “ohh ohh oh’s” of “Don’t Wait.” Outside, people roughly between 18-25 walk across the large green lawn that separates my residence hall, Potomac North, from the vast McMurran. You’ll see some on bikes, but most walk. I like to think about their stories as I look out my 3rd floor window. What classes they’re heading to, what food content fills their dining hall Styrofoam to-go containers, who lives on campus, who lives off, who’s from out of state, who’s from down the street, who’s homesick, who’s using college as an escape from home, who spends their weekends wasted, who spends their weekends studying. I have met so many different people here. People who are drastically different from me and people who are so similar that I’m floored with excitement and assurance about the next two years. I’ve always known diversity occurs among different cultures and countries, but it’s amazing the diversity I’ve experienced from fellow Virginians. Virginia seems to become so big when you're constantly meeting people from different towns – towns you’ve never visited or even heard about.

I have come to love these people. I love dreading a statistics group project the second week of the semester – only to end up being awake until 3 a.m. with Doritos, Dr. Pepper, frequency distributions, and 3 of the most hilarious and accepting girls ever. I love that beautiful girl who greets me with a hug, smiles as she talks, and gushes about things like faith and friendship. I love Christopher Newport University and finally feeling like I belong somewhere, that I fit somewhere. I love the quiet of the mornings, the challenging courses, the brisk walks across campus, the buffalo chicken wraps at the dining hall, the enormity of the library that swallows you as you study, the row of practice rooms in the Ferguson Center with sound proof walls and a lone piano...where the raw music is created, the writing classes where we dissect grammar for a full 50 minutes, the student pride and noise during the football games, hockey games, etc., the late night commotion, the freedom, the professors, the obsessive love between my hallmates, the continuous laughter with newfound best friends, the view from my window, and the homey feel of my new room.

- d

highlights from my 21st birthday:

- I sang with my choir in the marble rotunda of the trible library.

- I ate mexican food (aka soul food) at plaza azteca with brianna and ben.

- I went shopping at charlotte with my sis. :)

- I received 116 notifications on facebook.

- I video chatted with my sister, bro-in-law, and adorable nephew.

- I napped with my 2-year-old brother...there is nothing better than his smile when he wakes up finding I'm still in bed with him.

- I exercised my new right!

- I tried duck. I don't recommend it.

- I started up the Christmas music...beginning with "The First Noel" for obvious reasons. :)

- I received $45 worth of itunes giftcards....love.

- I drove with the windows rolled down...in 52 degree weather. duh.

- I learned that my brother will be starting for the VARSITY football game this friday.

- I dressed up and went to the Melting Pot with my beloved parents. Best meal ever.

- my two best friends threw me a surprise birthday party: tailgate style. complete with Ben Rothwell's original burgers with feta cheese.

- I sat around my living room singing worship songs with friends accompanied by an acoustic guitar.

- I had a sleepover with my beautiful hallmate, staying up until 6 am talking about friendships, faith, insecurities, and boys while eating easy mac and hot pockets.

This is going to be a beautiful year. Thank-you Jesus for all the blessings in my life.

little brother

just a saturday afternoon with anderson morrow:

Jon McLaughlin's LOVEly lyric

I was listening to this song today and truly empathized with the message:

I'm gonna throw my love around.



Love is frequently viewed as too hard, too messy, too pointless, too temporary, too painful, too costly, and too demanding. I have seen people battle these feelings; they have since lost their belief in love. Instead, they bury their ability to love, they cling tightly to imitations so as not to gamble with the real stuff, they seek fulfillment elsewhere. It is quite a shame. I am beginning to think that only the brave will encounter love. Only those willing to risk it all will find it all. Love takes courage.

But those with that courage, throw your love around. Let the world know you possess it. Do not be afraid. Love with courage. Love courageously.

- d

have hope in the world's music

Oh your love is a symphony

All around me, running through me

Oh your love is a melody

Underneath me, running to me

Oh your love is a song

Your love is a song

Today, while listening to the radio, I heard Jon Foreman explain the meaning behind the song quoted above. His inspiration came from the realization that the universe in all its vastness serves as a song that is written and performed by God. His commentary got me thinking about the characteristics of this unrivaled music. The song is intricate…profound…bold…deliberate...moving. The orchestration is held together by the composer; his expertise and devotion makes for no errors. The stars, the planets, the earth, the sun, the moon…they are all a part of the marvelous music that God holds together. WE are part of that music. It is within us, around us, above us, beneath us.

The song is the length of time itself. It began with the first ray of light and first sound of rushing water. God’s love for the world--for humanity birthed this melody called life. It envelopes everything in God’s heart and we inspire it.

Sometimes, in this song there is dissonance – pain, loss, brokenness, but you can still have hope knowing that the dissonance is just part of the composition and that the next chord is healing, freedom, and peace.

The conductor of this symphony knows which notes to place where – he has confidence in the timing and the rhythm and the pace. He knows which measures should be empowering and stirring – resembling an anthem. And then he knows which sections need serenity and sadness – reflecting solemn grief.

Always remember: the song is already completed, and it is a flawless piece of art. His love, his world, his universe makes up the entire symphony that works together to form the tapestry of life.

- D

PS. Have I mentioned lately how much I love Jon Foreman?!

"a woman's answer to a man's question"

by lena lathrop

Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing

Ever made by the hand above--
A woman's heart, and a woman's life
And a woman's wonderful love?

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy,
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy?

You have written my lesson of duty out,
Man-like you have questioned me;
Now stand at the bar of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart to be true as God's stars,
And as pure as heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef;
I require a far better thing.
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts;
I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called home,
And a man that the maker, God,
Shall look upon as he did the first
And say, "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose will fade
From my soft, young cheek one day,
Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,
As you did 'mid the bloom of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and deep,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give all this, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot do this -- a laundress and cook
You can hire, with little to pay,
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way.

"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman..." --1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

ladies, DO NOT GIVE UP.

believe in the man that will hold your heart close to his - treasuring it, learning it, guarding it, nurturing it.

believe.

matilda

Sometimes I listen to a specific song I'm craving, sometimes I listen to an artist or band that intrigues me, sometimes I listen to full albums, sometimes I listen to playlists, sometimes I listen to music that matches my mood, and sometimes I skip the preliminaries and just hit "shuffle."

yesterday was one such day.

As I drove down the I75 through Illinois, I had my family in tow, some pringles at my fingertips, head phones in tact, and music going song by song to pass the time.

As if planned by God, three songs came on in consecutive order that changed everything for me. When linked together, they portrayed such a message - I could not ignore it.

Better Days - Goo Goo Dolls

"and the one poor child who saved this world

and there's ten million more who probably could

if we all just stopped and said a prayer for them"

Meant to Live - Switchfoot

"we were meant to live for so much more,

have we lost ourselves?"

Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

"take this sinking boat and point it home,

we've still got time"

I was suddenly overwhelmed with shame and guilt. I could be doing something notable, something great, something helpful. But I'm not. At least, I wasn't.

It was then that I decided to sponsor a child in an underprivileged country. As soon as I got to a computer, I logged on and chose my little girl.

Her name is MATILDA. She is five years old and she lives in a rural farming community in Ghana, Africa. Matilda loves to sing. By donating a dollar a day, I will provide food, clothes, and education for this precious girl who would otherwise go without.

It's interesting: I find that I hit "shuffle" on my ipod when I'm indifferent, bored, or lazy. As if I have no preference. It makes me feel as though I am shuffling through life - without a preference, without a plan, walking slowly with heavy steps, rather than skipping or dancing through life as it's supposed to be.

But I was convicted -- I am meant to be more that mediocre. And I was reminded -- I still have TIME to DO something. Even if you're not out changing the world, you can still contribute to changing ONE person's world. And isn't that part of making the difference that you long to make? Isn't that a start?

Join today and give a child HOPE.

"happy."

Today was beach day, or in other words, a good day. I finally whipped out my new straw hat, I applied the sun tan lotion, I packed the lunches, grabbed the towels, made the soundtrack, and off we went - me and my boy.

I often have epiphanies on really good days. I think this is because I am able to see things the way my heart longs to see things - purely - without the frustrations of life trying to sabotage my vision. I open myself up and soak in my surroundings in hopes of gaining new perspectives, new inspiration, new cleansing, and new ideas. Today, it was a revelation about the little moments.

For instance, Ben, although anxious to listen to his brand new cd, happily conceded to my showing him my "current top 3 songs that make me close my eyes and just sing." For instance, Ben quickly taking the cooler from me when he looked over to see me carrying it. For instance, Ben laughing/making fun of my weird habits, but laughing that I-actually-like-that-about-you laugh. For instance, kissing on the beach and feeling oh-so One Tree Hill-esque. For instance, simple small talk while laying on our towels in the sun. For instance, falling asleep in the car on the way home...and waking up to find my boyfriend holding my hand. For instance, enjoying Ben's horrified facial expressions when I got him to believe something completely unbelievable. For instance, knowing Ben would order a blooming onion at outback, and being really happy I didn't have to ask for it.

The little moments are the important moments.

In those moments I'm reminded that beyond the affection and the adoration, Ben is my best friend...and we truly have fun together. When discussing this tonight with my dearest Mikayla, she asked me,

"where's your heart, d?"

"happy," I say.

...for that's all that matters.

...that's the most important thing.

in the end, the "timeless romance" that is our dream may just end up being that "faithful friendship" that we always need.

"romance eventually fades. it doesn't raise kids or pay bills. but best friends? they can figure that out." - mikayla nicole :)

dad aka hero

Many people know my dad. Lord knows, we can't run into Target or Martin's without someone waving him down to talk, and we can't go to a restaurant without the owner saying a quick hello. He walks away from each person with a huge grin on his face and explains with confidence, "that was my friend; I have them everywhere."

So yes, many people know my dad, but not near as many people know the man that I know, the man underneath the friendly conversations in the frozen food section or the order of a medium-rare steak with potatoes.

But there is so much more to him.

At the dinner table, he is always the one who goes around the table and says, "tell me about your day."

He gives us advice about our jobs, school, and friends.

No matter how busy he gets, he never fails to schedule dates with my mom.

He stays up way past his bedtime to add animation effects to his high school daughter's powerpoint presentation -- even despite her telling him it's not necessary.

He gets emotional over every single father's day card. You would think after 22 years of being a dad, he would keep in under control.

He gets his hair cut for free, but (despite his hairdresser telling him not to) he leaves a $20 bill every time he's finished - which is more than the price of a men's cut.

At every single one of my high school choir concerts, he would sneak into the auditorium at least an hour early to save seats for the fam. It would always be near the front, and he would always cheer very loudly.

He will never, ever forget to tell you how much he loves you.

On election day, he rearranges his schedule to fit mine and B's so that he can go vote with his girls.

He is passionate about God and people. Which effectively sums up his profession.

He has been offered, three times, to work at the national office in Springfield, MO as the national church planting director. He has turned it down every single time because he loves his church in little Williamsburg, VA.

He takes us on "daddy dates" on our birthdays.

He willingly lets us borrow money from him if we're ever in a pinch...and doesn't charge interest!

He mentors the son of close friend who passed away a couple months ago. Once a week, he invests in this young man who is trying to fulfill his father's legacy.

He surprises my mom by completely re-landscaping the yard when she goes out of town.

He has mastered living with four teenage daughters with a listening ear, kind words, many outfit appraisals, patience through the drama, and sympathy toward hormones.

He always gives second chances, and encourages us to do the same.

He makes the best nachos and the best waffles...but besides that, pretty much stays out of the kitchen.

He diligently throws the football, runs routes, and catches passes with my 15-year-old brother every chance he gets...soley because my brother dreams of being a quarterback and my dad knows it's his job to help him get there.

He prays. A lot. And he reads his Bible. Every night.

There is a saying, "it is much easier to become a father than to be one"

...becoming a father is natural, simple, and merely opens the door to the opportunity. But being a father - being a father requires one to handle that overwhelming challenge with grace, patience, and wisdom. Being a dad is being a hero. My dad has truly been a dad.

- d

ben rothwell

since I am quite fond of my boyfriend, and since I am aching to display some of my favorite parts about him, I am going to give a little "virtual tour," so to speak, of benjamin aaron rothwell.

things I love about b:

1) his unbelievable passion for worship and his ability to lead hearts through music.

2) the way he loves my sisters.

3) his eyes. oh yes, those dark eyes. clearly, they run in his family.

4) how cute he was when he was a little boy.

5) his knack for cooking always tastes good.

6) no one has ever looked so good in sunglasses.

7) he eats chipotle burritos with such urgency and satisfaction.

8) his horrendous facial expressions.

9) we like the same food, made the same way.

10) where he's come from and the journey he's traveled to be the man that he is today.

11) the way he looks at me -- that lingering gaze that displays even the corners of his heart.

12) his droid phone (no really, I love it) and his constant cup of coffee.

13) the way he makes me laugh -- so hard, so often.

14) he read twilight...and liked it.

15) he whistles whenever he's in a good mood.

16) the way he interacts with children.

17) he sings to/with me.

love has a name

"For the girl dressed in white, for the man who's lost his sight

When life's the question, love's the answer

For the poor nameless child, for lovers unreconciled

When life's the question, love's the answer

For a world lost in pain, know that love has a name

When life's the question, Jesus answers

with his love

Always waits, never lies, no disguise

...the love of Jesus"

introducing: aunt dedi

Even at four years old, I still had trouble talking. My older sister, Taylor-Lynn, was my faithful translator. If you were to meet me and ask me my name, I would gladly and confidently respond with, "dedi modo."

Two years ago, my mom had a baby. Unplanned. Number 10. I was 18 years old and graduating high school. I instantly fell in love with Anderson and prided myself on taking care of him. A couple months ago, he learned to say my name. "Dedi."

Now, I am an aunt. The AUNT of Gabriel Alexander Louis, born May 28th, 2010. My brother-in-law, Drew, has fittingly titled me "aunt dedi."

I am currently in Dallas, Texas, staying in the will-be nursery at Taylor and Drew's little house. The room is already decorated with little wooden "g's" that are standing up on his dark oak armoire. The closet is full of little infant onesies. The bathroom is complete with baby soap, baby washcloths, and baby powder.

The surroundings remind me of my new role and all the associated feelings:

I am proud - proud of my sister who endured 15 hours of labor, and who gave birth to gabriel naturally.

I am impressed - impressed that the girl who cried at bee stings and spankings could go through that excruciating pain for someone so small, yet so significant.

I am content - content watching drew's large hands hold his son while bending his 6'5" frame to whisper and sooth gabriel.

I am committed - committed to spoiling and fighting for this little boy.

I am anxious - anxious to see who he will become and what great things he will accomplish.

I am happy - happy for the Louis family which is forever changed and bettered.

I am confident - confident that they will be such extraordinary and rewarding parents.

I am compelled - compelled to hold him nonstop, sing to him, stare

at him, snuggle him, etc.

I am humbled - humbled by Taylor's selflessness.

I am convinced - convinced that those 10 little fingers and 10 little toes are evidence of God's ultimate masterpiece -- life.

I am inspired - inspired to start my own family one day, and become a mommy.

I am overwhelmed - overwhelmed with love for gabriel.

I am blessed - blessed because I get to be a part of his family, blessed because he will know me one day as someone who truly adores him, blessed to witness this miracle of life, and blessed to watch the miracle continue to unfold.

Welcome to the world, Gabriel, I promise to mother you a little -- and befriend you a lot.

- dedi

his love letter to me

My dad is the best man I know. He has always, always done right by my mom, and he has always, always done right by us. To me, that in itself shows more substantial character than pretty much anything else. And although he may be the best daddy in the world, he has still taught us that there is one better still: our heavenly father. Today mark morrow did what he always does on a sunday morning: he passionately spoke to his church. He talked about why God allows suffering and how God wants to see us use our hurt and pain to make us better, not bitter. I've been reading The Father's Love Letter and learning more about the character of God and his own perspective of me, his child. I have learned that while yes, people suffer and yes, I suffer, God has claimed himself the father who comforts me throughout all my troubles.

"God wants to pick you up, give you a hug and whisper your name in your ear. You are His child and He is your father. This is your destiny; this is what you were created for. When you let Him love you in this way, as a father loves his little child, you will begin to realize that the need for love and affirmation you had as a little child is still deep within you. When you allow yourself to be embraced by God, you begin to see that this is what you've been looking for all your life. You may have searched for it in your career, in a relationship, or in many other things, but you will find it only in one place - in the arms of your heavenly Father."

Lord, I pray that you would give me the grace to become more childlike. I want to lose myself in your unfailing love. Help me to walk in the simplicity of faith that allows me to trust you wholeheartedly for all my needs.

"God is the Father of compassion and of all comfort. When you need comfort most, he is faithful to be by your side through all your pain and disappointment. He weeps with you, and his heart breaks with yours. Your heavenly Father wants to hold your hand as you walk through the seasons in your life. You were never meant to shoulder these burdens on your own. God wants to comfort you with his tender love."

Lord, please heal, restore, and give favor. Thank you for staying true to all your promises -- promises to remain faithful, to hold me, to comfort me, and to love me. And the promise that you are my father. And I am your child.

I love you.

-d

"all that I'm after is a life full of laughter - as long as I'm laughin' with you"

Last weekend me and b.rothwell packed up and went driving. Our first stop was baltimore, maryland where we navigated (via ben's droid phone) to a tiny, quaint bar/venue for a miraculous dave barnes show. After sitting on bar stools and soaking in the musical goodness for three hours (and then meeting him!) we then continued our journey to pheonixville, pennsylvania for ben's best friend's college graduation.

here are some of my most favorite parts:

1. our competition.

2. our 'road trip' playlist...with all the good stuff.

3. all our pee stops where ben would visit the bathroom and I would wait in the car. (maybe I should be concerned that I don't pee enough?)

4. being thrifty by packing homemade sub sandwiches for the drive.

5. "I Have And Always Will" on the acoustic guitar embraced by the crowd's absolute stillness. Even the asians behind us stopped jabbering over their drinks long enough to witness the beauty, emotion, and delivery of this song.

6. Dave's obvious passion as he used about 10 minutes of his set to talk about the mocha club.

7. Steve moak's cover of miley cyrus mixed with don mclean.

8. Ben's constant attempts at earning "sweetie" stars...and his unwillingness to relinquish any stars to his poor girlfriend. Even when I begged, he would shrug and say, 'it's competition, baby'....a true testament to our relationship.

9. visiting "love park" in Philadelphia.

10. having ben wake me up each morning.

11. bringing books, magazines, etc. to pass the time in the car, but instead being content just to put the seat back, listen to music, and hold my boyfriend's hand.

12. chipotle pitstop, causing the GPS to redirect us using the scenic route. (only good things come from eating chipotle).

13. my new floral sundress and white coat -- compliments of the boyfriend.

14. antique jewelry shopping in the cute little downtown area.

15. learning an intense (yet entertaining/addicting) card game...and beating ben. :)

everything is beautiful

cotton fields,

the open road

the radio plays a song

we both know we don't sing along

- dave barnes

A few words on words

I spent today putting together a "quote book" for Talitha Adele's 21st birthday. I integrated and incorporated several (and I mean several) of my collected quotations. Excerpts from literature, lyrics from songs, bible verses, statements from musicians, philosophers, authors, my favorite tv show. It could be endless.

As I sat there flipping through the pages, I understood the purpose for this compilation. I realized the enormity of the mere words. I realized the impact in which they are capable. These chosen words...these words are for the loved, the unloved, the broken, the faithful, the faithless, the stumblers, the seekers, the hopeful, and the hopeless, the weak, the strong, the beautiful and the believers.

If these words could but touch the soul of someone who fits one of those descriptions (and truthfully we all have at some point), then these words have succeeded.

Words matter.

-d

"a happy family is but an earlier heaven"

It began with make-your-own-burritos for dinner, four 2-liter bottles of soda (only because it was a special occasion), everyone around the big table, and way too much conversation to follow.

Next it's rock 'n roll blaring and 7 Morrow kids dancing. After dinner, mom goes to clean up and Nicholas (the DJ) starts the music. Alexander immediately whips out the electric air guitar and with that, the dance-a-thon is inevitable. B and I get Anderson (2 years old) involved with head banging and spinning in circles. With a grin plastered across his adorable chunky cheeks, he dances nonstop for 20 minutes. In baby code, this is a long, long time.

We decide to go get ice cream. But within the time it takes for us to get out the door and loaded into the van, all the ice cream places have closed. Instead we opt for the grocery store where we buy the ice cream, waffle cones, and sundae toppings. We set it all up along the counter and it's buffet style -- all you can eat. We realize it truly is much better that way.

After the parents and the children 10 & under go to bed, we pick a movie (which is always an ordeal). Thankfully, my brothers can appreciate a good chick flick -- in fact, they love them. The girls multi-task and do manicures at the table, while Landon and Nicholas watch Zac Efron.

Yes, it was family night at the Morrow house tonight.

ps. we miss you, Taylor.

worship: reverent love and devotion

"...that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever."

- Psalms 30:12

Worship is my passion. Worship is my calling. Worship is what God desires from me and is, amazingly, something that I am capable of giving to Him.

As I was contemplating this today, I realized a few things:

Music is much, much more than what I have always believed it to be. Music is not just the sounds that delve deep into our souls, that strike a chord within us and make us believe in something. Its purpose is more than just leaving you speechless from a 3 minute song that figuratively washes over your body, soaking it with magic and hope. Music should never be confined to our stereos or ipods. And it should never, ever be confined to the feelings we get from listening to a mixture of instruments. The point is: music is not meant to solely be received from talented bands or known names. Music can - and should - be given back to God. He is the maker of music. He is the one who gave us music. If he is the designer, don't you think he longs to hear your creations?

My boyfriend has mastered this. He writes such beautiful songs -- songs from the deepest parts of his heart, songs that he dedicates entirely to his Lord. I sometimes wonder where his lyrics come from. I wonder how he conjures up those perfectly poetic lines that allow his music to remain personal while still proving relevant. I recently told him how much I love his words...but more than that, I love how he uses his words. He is so careful and meticulous and precise with the words he chooses as praise to God. It's so evident that Ben strives to present the most worthy and pure worship. My heart swells and oozes with happiness because I have found a man who lives for the full purpose of music. He expresses his love and passion through worship, through music, through song, through words sung unto God. I love the words he gives Jesus. They are precious and humble.

Today, I am thankful for the reminder that worship is our reason for existing.

"hearing the music is like someone calling out to me...making music is like I'm calling out back...to the one who gave me the music" - August Rush

- d

"once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary"

I recently had a conversation with God. Well, actually, it was pretty one-sided. I made him listen as I vented about my biggest fear: being average. Alone in my room, somewhere around 1 am, probably some really good music playing, it went something like this:

Dear God, I want to be someone to somebody. I want to make a difference. I want to be remembered. I want to accomplish something great. I want to make my mark on this world, to better it, to contribute to it. I want to live a full life -- with big and small moments. And I want a way to remember it all. I want to stop forlornly gazing at my dreams stored away on a dusty shelf. I want them active, alive. I want a story to tell; I want people to read my story; I want it to be worth reading. I want to give of myself and to somehow help others, even while I don't have much to offer. I want a pure heart and a sound mind. I want to create; I want to empower; I want to inspire; I want to explore. And I want to know that it all mattered.

Yes, I was frustrated, and I was anxious. I needed to be put back in my place. Thank you, Edgar Allan Poe.

Edgar Allan Poe - brilliant poet, brilliant mind, brilliant literature. But Poe was an orphan...poor and aimless...a gambler, estranged from his foster father, in debt, lived off one short story to the next - and spent nearly all that money on alcohol. He died alone and was buried in an unmarked grave. His tragic and nomadic life seemed to have been lived in vain. His accomplishments were unappreciated and his talent was essentially disregarded. Considering his circumstances, could he have imagined his potential? His impact? His ability? His influence? How could he have ever known that he would become one of America's most beloved and fascinating writers? How could he have known, as he drowned his hopelessness in whiskey, that his stories would become classics, that he would be read in schools, and that critics would dissect and marvel over his written words? Despite his life of heartbreak and useless attempts at "big breaks," he eventually made it to his dream, he made a difference, he transformed literature...even if he wasn't able to witness it within his lifetime.

He lived. He died. And, somehow, he managed to leave a legacy.

I want the same thing.

I am 20 years old.

I don't need to change the world yet, I just need to live in it.

"Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night" - Poe

"you've got me laughing while I sing, you've got me smiling in my sleep"

My boyfriend and I live 30 miles from each other. Okay, not that big of a deal, but we also have very busy, very different schedules. Him with his internship, bar-tending, and college classes. Me with the daycare, my three black children, and completing my associate's degree. Needless to say, we don't always get as much time together as we'd like.

Throughout the days apart we play this game of sorts where we'll text something crazy/random/endearing/hilarious that makes us think of each other.

"I am thinking of you because: (fill in the blank)."

It's a very fun and amusing game. You never know what you'll get; you never know when you'll make an average, mediocre moment something more for him. And honestly, I don't think you can ever quite understand how you do it. It's beautiful, really.

Ben, I am thinking of you because: you just took my last four ibuprofen tablets -- now when I get a headache, I'm screwed.

...Get well, babe.

-d